{"id":254716,"date":"2026-07-26T06:16:14","date_gmt":"2026-07-26T06:16:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/26\/a-tonali-repeat-why-newcastle-want-to-sign-exceptional-17m-star\/"},"modified":"2026-07-26T06:16:14","modified_gmt":"2026-07-26T06:16:14","slug":"a-tonali-repeat-why-newcastle-want-to-sign-exceptional-17m-star","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/26\/a-tonali-repeat-why-newcastle-want-to-sign-exceptional-17m-star\/","title":{"rendered":"A Tonali repeat: Why Newcastle want to sign “exceptional” \u00a317m star"},"content":{"rendered":"

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This summer transfer window has been a disaster for all those associated with Newcastle United<\/a>, with the club missing out on countless transfer targets to other Premier League<\/a> clubs.<\/p>\n

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Eddie Howe<\/a> has no doubt wanted to improve his squad after finishing 12th in England\u2019s top-flight, but so far, he\u2019s had to see his number one targets move elsewhere.<\/p>\n

V\u00edctor Mu\u00f1oz and Johan Manzambi are two players who have already completed moves to other English sides, whilst James Trafford appears to be edging closer to a move to join Leeds United.<\/p>\n

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However, Howe has also had to deal with key players departing St James\u2019 Park, with the manager facing a huge task to replace one player this summer.<\/p>\n

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\n How Newcastle could suffer without Sandro Tonali in 2026\/27<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

After finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table last term, Newcastle fans will have been worried about losing some of their key talents in the summer transfer window.<\/p>\n

Their greatest fears have come to fruition in recent weeks, as star midfielder Sandro Tonali<\/a> has completed a \u00a3100m deal to join fellow Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspur.<\/p>\n

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\n \"Tonali-Newcastle\"\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

The Italian made himself a key part of Howe\u2019s plans on Tyneside after joining from AC Milan in 2023, subsequently featuring in all but three league games last term.<\/p>\n

His quality at both ends of the pitch will be a huge miss for the Magpies, as the 26-year-old managed to create the second most chances for Howe\u2019s side last campaign.<\/p>\n

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Sandro Tonali – PL stats (2025\/26)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

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Statistics (per 90)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

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Tally<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

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Appearances<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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35<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Goals<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Assists<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Tackles made<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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1.0<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Interceptions made<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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0.9<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Duels won<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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3.1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Possession lost per game<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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11.3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

Tonali also completed the most dribbles of any player in the Magpies\u2019 senior ranks, whilst also making the most ball recoveries per 90 – subsequently highlighting his box-to-box nature.<\/p>\n

Without the ball, he made 9.3 defensive contributions per 90, the second highest on Tyneside, subsequently making him one of the manager\u2019s most important talents.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n How Howe can land his next version of Tonali this summer<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

Despite the added departures from Newcastle this summer, the hierarchy have already made multiple additions this window – with two players arriving to bolster the midfield department.<\/p>\n

Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur have recently arrived from Monaco and Ajax respectively, with the young duo costing the Magpies a combined \u00a360m this summer.<\/p>\n

However, there\u2019s no denying the manager will demand added reinforcements before the window closes, which could see Fikayo Tomori<\/a> be the latest player to move to Tyneside.<\/p>\n

Journalist Sebastien Vidal has provided the latest on the Magpies\u2019 hunt for the centre-back, claiming that an offer has been submitted for the Englishman.<\/p>\n

He also claims that AC Milan are open to offloading the 28-year-old ahead of the upcoming campaign, but are demanding at least \u20ac20m (\u00a317m) before approving a sale.<\/p>\n

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\n \"fikayo-tomori-ac-milan\"\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

He\u2019s a player who has constantly appeared on the club\u2019s transfer radar over recent years, but it appears the hierarchy are finally making a move to secure his services.<\/p>\n

Tomori may operate in a different position to Tonali, but he could emulate the Italian in moving to St James\u2019 from AC Milan and hoping to kickstart a new era after a period of uncertainty off the pitch.<\/p>\n

His stats from the recent campaign in Serie A highlight the quality he possesses, which could see him play a key role in Howe\u2019s defensive unit throughout 2026\/27 and beyond.<\/p>\n

The 28-year-old made an impressive tally of 2.3 tackles per 90 in Italy\u2019s top-flight last season, which was more than any other centre-back within Howe\u2019s squad.<\/p>\n

It also placed the Englishman in the top 15% of all defenders within Europe\u2019s top-five leagues – subsequently highlighting his tremendous ability to prevent the opposition from causing danger.<\/p>\n

Tomori achieved a 53% aerial duel success rate, which could offer Howe\u2019s men an added dominant force in the air – alongside the likes of Dan Burn and Malick Thiaw.<\/p>\n

However, his biggest asset could be his ability on the ball, which could make him an excellent addition to Howe\u2019s system which often sees his side build from the back.<\/p>\n

He managed to achieve an impressive tally of 91% passes completed in Italy\u2019s top-division last term – leading to writer Henry Winter labelling the centre-back as \u201cexceptional<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n \"fikayo-tomori-ac-milan-premier-league\"\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Today\u2019s market has seen prices massively inflate over recent seasons, which has led to mammoth sums being splashed to land top-level talents across the pitch.<\/p>\n

However, Tomori could prove to be a phenomenal addition at just \u00a317m, with the defender having key experience in the Premier League from his time at Chelsea.<\/p>\n

Should he get anywhere near the levels produced by Tonali at St James\u2019 Park, there\u2019s no reason why he can\u2019t be a fan favourite and lead the side back up the division next season.<\/p>\n