Manchester United are keen to strengthen their midfield this summer, and the signing of Newcastle star Sandro Tonali could prove to be a game-changer. Michael Carrick recently put pen to paper on a two-year contract to become the club’s new permanent head coach following an impressive interim spell at Old Trafford.
He is now firmly focused on transforming United into a side capable of mounting a serious challenge for both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Central to those ambitions is United’s engine room, with Casemiro set to depart Old Trafford this summer. The club have already conceded defeat in their pursuit of Elliot Anderson, but have made considerable headway in securing long-term target Ederson from Atalanta, while West Ham’s Matheus Fernandes has also been linked with a move.
However, reports emerging from Italy suggest Tonali is “on his way” to United, with the club reportedly prepared to splash out around £87million to land the Newcastle midfielder. The United hierarchy are said to be unfazed by the hefty price tag attached to the former Milan man.
Tonali joined Newcastle for £55m in July 2023. He remains under contract at St James’ Park until the summer of 2029, with an option to extend by a further 12 months.
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According to FotMob, the Italian ranks highly in successful passes and dribbling this season. He has also made an impressive 147 ball recoveries, particularly noteworthy in a disappointing campaign when Newcastle have frequently found themselves under pressure.
Tonali has netted 10 goals in 110 outings for the Magpies, operating predominantly centrally or deeper as the side’s holding midfielder. He would also bring a wealth of Premier League know-how to Carrick’s midfield, a significant advantage for any prospective recruit.
View 3 ImagesNewcastle and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali has been linked with Manchester United (Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
The player’s representative, Giuseppe Riso, has been outspoken regarding a possible departure for Tonali this year, insisting his client’s future can be addressed after the World Cup.
Nevertheless, with Italy failing to qualify, Tonali should encounter little postponement concerning his future. United acted swiftly to secure Matheus Cunha last summer and ought to look at tying the 26-year-old down to a contract before the chaos of the summer transfer window truly begins.
It remains unclear how Anthony Gordon’s £69.3m switch to Barcelona will affect Newcastle’s determination, with the Magpies having also lost star player Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe recently insisted the club will have a powerful voice in the destiny of their prized assets.
He said: “We were in a more vulnerable position than we are now. Ross [Wilson, football executive at Newcastle] has filled that position and is showing really good leadership dealing with transfers and all the things that entails. We are in a stronger position now to navigate those waters in a much calmer, clearer way.”
View 3 ImagesAtalanta midfielder Ederson is set to become United’s first arrival – and Tonali could follow(Image: Mondadori Portfolio, Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)
Tonali could follow the arrival of Atalanta’s Brazilian international Ederson. The midfielder was omitted from the Serie A club’s final fixture of the season to shield him from injury amid United’s growing interest.
United are believed to be edging closer to securing a deal, with a package valued at up to £38m. Ederson is not anticipated to be a straight swap for Casemiro but is set to jump ahead of Manuel Ugarte in the pecking order, with the former PSG star available for transfer this summer.
United’s midfield ambitions stretch further still. The club are hopeful of making another marquee signing in the position, with Tonali the standout option to follow Ederson through the door and take the summer spending to £125m.
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