Their new Tonali: Newcastle making calls to sign “complete” £39m star

Newcastle United‘s season was deeply disappointing, but it wasn’t disastrous, and if Eddie Howe nails his side’s summer transfer strategy, this could be quite the turning point for a club in transition.

After all, Newcastle have proved the doubters wrong any number of times before, and it wasn’t too long ago that Tyneside sang songs after lifting the Carabao Cup, soon after celebrating Champions League qualification for the second time across three years.

There is still uncertainty in the boardroom, with Ross Wilson about to take charge of his first transfer window as sporting director at St. James’ Park. Uncertainty, sure, but the Magpies did not have anyone in that position last year, making a telling comment on the club’s strategic failings.

There is much to sort out. Anthony Gordon has completed a £69m move to Barcelona, and Sandro Tonali is also at the centre of speculation over his future at the club.

Newcastle’s summer transfer strategy

As things stand, signing a top-class forward is Newcastle’s priority. Gordon finished the campaign as the club’s top scorer in all competitions, and Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa both face uncertain futures at the club after leaving much to be desired.

Tonali is attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, but Tino Livramento is also on the radar of several big hitters, and after Kieran Trippier left the club at the end of his contract, right-back is a position that Howe and co cannot afford to neglect.

Well, according to the Daily Mail, Newcastle have made Atalanta defender Marco Palestra one of their top targets ahead of the transfer window, with talks underway for the Italian star.

Arsenal and Manchester City have also enquired about the 21-year-old in recent weeks, and while he is valued at £39m, this could be a smart move for PIF to make, especially if Livramento is sold for a hefty sum.

Why Palestra could be Newcastle’s new Tonali

A few years ago, Newcastle signed a talented Italy international named Tonali. He joined the club from AC Milan in a £55m deal.

Tonali has epitomised the peaks and valleys that Newcastle have traversed over the past several years, but there’s no question that he’s an elite midfielder, so elegant and in command of his technical skills. His agent, Beppe Riso, has described him as “one of the best midfielders in the world“.

Now, Newcastle could repeat their own trick by signing Palestra, a player who, like Tonali, has attracted interest from some of England’s elite, with the Toon yet again emerging as favourites to secure his services.

Hailed as a “complete” full-back by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the data is certainly kind to the young prospect after his recent Serie A loan spell with Cagliari. A powerful and mobile wide defender, Palestra created seven big chances across the campaign, completing 85% of his passes and winning 6.7 duels per game, coming in at a 60% success rate.

This is all to say that he has everything he needs to thrive under Howe’s wing, potentially even improving upon the work that Livramento has done. The best ability is availability, and Livramento has missed plenty of action due to injury.

He also fell narrowly shy of completing two dribbles per match, underscoring that completeness that Kulig has gushed about. Tonali and Palestra might not share many positional values, but both offer a multi-functionality perfect for Premier League football.

Whether Newcastle launch a concerted move remains to be seen, but discussions are underway, and Palestra may well emulate Tonali in frustrating a couple of Newcastle’s rivals down the line, annoyed that they did not act before he moved to Tyneside and grew into one of the best in the Premier League.