Newcastle United’s precarious financial situation means they will likely have to sanction the sale of one of their most valuable assets in the summer.
For Manchester United, this could make a deal for midfield target Sandro Tonali more attainable.
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Newcastle’s financial woes: The state of play
Indeed, iPaper Sport’s Mark Douglas claims the Magpies ‘will have to consider’ parting ways with the likes of Tonali, Anthony Gordon or Tino Livramento following their disastrous end to 2025’s summer window.
🚨 #nufc want future of Sandro Tonali and other star men sorted EARLY – to help squad overhaul
⚫️ Terms #mufc, #afc and others would have to meet
⚪️ 'No repeat' of last minute U-turn
⚫️ Tonali squad cost figure
⚪️ Italy man all in for run-in
Read 👇https://t.co/oE0hcA8Ylg
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) April 11, 2026
They had maintained since the very start of the transfer period that Alexander Isak was absolutely not for sale under any circumstances – until he forced a move to Liverpool by refusing to train when 2025/2026 got underway.
Newcastle managed to secure £125 million for their star centre-forward’s services, but shelled out an exorbitant £55m to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford as his replacement, who spent four months of the season sidelined with a knee injury and has returned only one Premier League goal thus far.
As a result, the division’s new rules over squad cost ratio (SCR) calculations mean clubs will be limited to spending 70 per cent of their revenue, and outgoings will be near essential for the Magpies if they are to stay within the limitations.
How much can United expect to pay for Tonali?
It’s thought they will look to demand around £100m to offload Tonali amid interest from Arsenal and United, the former of which he was offered to by his agent back in January.
🚨 Sandro Tonali offered to Arsenal by agent so #AFC explored but no contact with Newcastle United; nothing will happen this window. 25yo’s camp put idea to Andrea Berta so looked into as per any player of interest. #NUFC exit now impossible @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/Dj1rlbgFbH
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) February 2, 2026
Any prospective pursuit of the 25-year-old could be initiated as soon as the term draws to a close, as Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup means he will be keen for a swift resolution over his future before pre-season begins.
Champions League qualification is said to be essential for Tonali, whose contract at St. James’ Park runs until 2029.
🔺 NEW: Sandro Tonali’s agent has revealed that the player is considering leaving Newcastle United in the summer and may need Champions League football to tempt him to stay at St James’ Park.
Read the details ⬇️https://t.co/5yOmwSEJKz
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) February 6, 2026
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