As rumors continue to circulate regarding Sandro Tonali`s future, Newcastle United are reportedly in a strong position to sign a midfielder who could potentially replace the influential Italian international.
Interest from Juventus in Sandro Tonali
Newcastle`s midfield performance was significantly affected when Tonali was sidelined at the beginning of the season. Eddie Howe`s side struggled during that period. However, since the Italian`s return, the Magpies have shown dominance in midfield battles, with Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton forming an effective trio.
| Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref) | Sandro Tonali | Bruno Guimaraes | Joelinton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starts | 28 | 38 | 29 |
| Progressive Passes | 128 | 271 | 116 |
| Tackles Won | 32 | 47 | 35 |
| Ball Recoveries | 117 | 188 | 149 |
This combination of tenacious and forward-thinking midfielders makes Newcastle`s central unit a formidable force when playing at its best.
Consequently, interest in Tonali was expected. Reports from Italy now indicate that Juventus are keen on signing him in the upcoming summer transfer window, aiming to bring him back to Serie A. This development is likely a cause for concern at St James` Park.
Pundits like Jamie Carragher have praised the Newcastle midfielder this season, with Carragher including him in his Monday Night Football Team of the Season. He explained his choice, stating: “I went for Tonali because Newcastle look like they are going to finish third in the Premier League. I don’t think many people would have predicted that. They’ve won a trophy for the first time in 70 years. But they actually made a poor start to the season. I don’t think their season turned around until Eddie Howe put him [Tonali] in the holding role.”
While it remains uncertain if Tonali will be tempted by a return to Italy, it appears Newcastle are proactively considering their options.
Newcastle Leading Pursuit for Matteo Guendouzi
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported by Sport Witness, Newcastle is currently the frontrunner to sign Matteo Guendouzi from Lazio this summer. The former Arsenal midfielder is reportedly valued at around €40 million (£34 million) and could return to the Premier League if Tonali leaves St James` Park.
| League stats 24/25 (via FBref) | Sandro Tonali | Matteo Guendouzi |
|---|---|---|
| Starts | 28 | 37 |
| Progressive Passes | 128 | 316 |
| Tackles Won | 32 | 21 |
| Ball Recoveries | 117 | 173 |
Guendouzi`s statistics indicate he is highly effective in progressing play, even surpassing Guimaraes in this metric. Since leaving the Premier League, the French midfielder has elevated his game significantly.
He has received praise since his time at Arsenal. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig described Guendouzi`s signing by Marseille in 2021 as “fantastic,” and the midfielder has continued to perform just as impressively at Lazio.
