Newcastle open late talks to sign £60m midfielder who could be even better than Tonali…

Newcastle initiates late discussions to acquire £60m midfielder who may surpass Tonali – opinion

Football is notoriously unpredictable, and for Newcastle United, the atmosphere has notably improved since the commencement of the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Just a month ago, Eddie Howe resigned from his position at St. James’ Park, leading many to believe that disaster had struck for the Magpies. However, PIF has executed several astute signings, and Matthias Jaissle appears to be a promising addition in the managerial role.

The 2-0 victory over Tottenham in north London on Saturday showcased the solid foundation that Howe established. This team is an elite squad in a temporary lull, fully capable of thriving once again this season.

In the midfield, they demonstrated greater strength than their rivals, even with the £100m Sandro Tonali positioned at the heart of the Spurs lineup.

Why selling Tonali was a brilliant move for Newcastle

It’s important to acknowledge that Tonali was a key player for Newcastle, having played a significant role in guiding the Toon into the Champions League and securing the Carabao Cup in 2025. His departure for a nine-figure fee can only be regarded as a wise decision.

Journalist Sam Dean remarked that Tonali was “nowhere near what you would expect for £100m,” but the Magpies understand that when Tonali is at his best, he offers a blend of physicality and finesse that is almost paradoxical in its seamlessness.

However, Tonali was not without flaws in black and white. Last season, he found it challenging to maintain the high level of performance that earned him acclaim in 2024/25. Selling him was the right choice, and the decision has only been marred by subsequent transfer setbacks and the departure of Guimaraes to Arsenal.

Nico Gonzalez has joined the squad and made a remarkable impression as Spurs (and Tonali) were decisively defeated over the weekend. The Spaniard left Toon fans in awe with his elegant, playmaking display. More performances like that would be welcome.

Yet, Newcastle’s ambitions are not complete. They are in need of another piece, and Jaissle has set his sights on a burgeoning talent who appears poised for a transfer in the near future.

How Newcastle Can Secure a Major Upgrade on Tonali

Newcastle has found their next version of Guimaraes in Gonzalez, but they still require a replacement for Tonali. While Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba are promising young midfielders, their development needs careful management throughout the upcoming season.

As reported by Football360, Newcastle is at the forefront of a competitive race to acquire Inter Milan midfielder Petar Sucic, who could be available for around £60m. An official inquiry has already been made, and discussions are ongoing with the player’s representatives.

Sucic is considering various options as the transfer window approaches its end, but he is keen on joining a project that guarantees him ample playing time. Should Newcastle decide to sell Joe Willock, who is attracting interest from Besiktas, it would create a significant opportunity for the Croatian talent to make his move to Tyneside.

Sucic possesses a maturity that belies his age, showcasing technical skills alongside a robust and incisive defensive style. His dynamic playing style and relentless energy make him an ideal candidate to fill Tonali’s shoes, especially given his background in Milano, where Tonali transitioned to Newcastle from AC Milan three years ago.

Having started three matches at the World Cup with Croatia, he was recognized as “an absolutely crucial player for Hrvatska” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Last season, he made a notable impact in Italy, starting four times in the Champions League and 21 times in Serie A. He ranked in the top 10% of midfielders for pass completion and expected assists (xA) per 90 minutes, demonstrating intensity in tackling and winning a significant number of duels. This performance has led Jaissle to view him as a successor to Tonali.

Despite the challenges of this transfer window for the Toon, there are encouraging signs that Jaissle and his team have retained enough quality to compete for a return to Europe following the disappointment of the 2025/26 season.