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Tonali’s Suspension: What Next for Newcastle?
In a startling revelation, Newcastle United faces the grim reality of moving forward without their midfield maestro, Sandro Tonali. The talented 23-year-old is on the verge of a significant suspension, following an investigation by the Italian authorities into allegations of illegal football betting. Drawing parallels, a similar case saw Juventus’ Nicolo Fagioli handed a seven-month ban, setting a perceived precedent for Tonali’s impending sentence. To say the Magpies were caught off guard would be an understatement. Howe, Newcastle’s tactical spearhead, candidly admitted, “The news came as a total surprise to me, to (sporting director Dan Ashworth), to everybody.”The situation is undeniably a blow to the club’s squad-building ambitions, especially with Tonali being their only summer acquisition to make an immediate mark on the starting XI.
A Glimpse into Tonali’s Influence Tonali’s acumen isn’t limited to a specific position. His versatility in Howe’s midfield blueprint is commendable, with a particular prowess in one of the No 8 roles. Though his assimilation into Newcastle’s gameplay wasn’t immediate, stellar performances against the likes of Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain underscore his undeniable potential. His multifaceted abilities combined with a stellar availability record — having seldom missed matches due to injuries — made him an invaluable asset. However, the recent turn of events has left the club’s midfield alarmingly sparse.
As some rays of hope, the rejuvenation of Joe Willock and the rise of promising talents like Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley provide some solace. But with a £55 million investment on Tonali just a few months ago, the club might be propelled back into the transfer market as per The Athletic. The Transfer Dilemma The constraints of Financial Fair Play (FFP) and Howe’s rigorous standards make the January transfer window a challenging terrain for Ashworth and his team. Despite the club’s evident financial muscle, which has seen significant expenditure in the past transfer windows, the unexpected Tonali debacle might result in a perceived ‘Newcastle premium’.
Replacing Tonali isn’t just about finding another midfielder. It’s about matching his dynamism and adaptability. The Athletic, leveraging smarterscout’s algorithm, ventured into finding players with attributes mirroring Tonali’s. Amongst the potential matches, Enzo Le Fee, Khephren Thuram, Maxence Caqueret, and the young Arne Engels stand out. Interestingly, Engels, at just 20, mirrors Tonali closely in statistical output.
But statistics alone don’t seal transfers. Considering availability and market dynamics, Valencia’s 23-year-old Andre Almeida emerges as a prospective target, especially given Valencia’s current turmoil. While revisiting past transfer interests might seem logical, several previously eyed talents, like Edson Alvarez and Youri Tielemans, have made their moves, rendering them unreachable. A Ray of Scottish Hope? In their quest for midfield dynamism, one name resurfaces: Scott McTominay. His ability to oscillate between the No 6 and No 8 roles in midfield could be the tonic Newcastle needs. Though his consistency at Manchester United has been oscillating, Howe might see in McTominay what he saw in Sean Longstaff.
Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s current gaffer, vouches for McTominay’s resilience, stating, “He’s a player you can always count on.” But prying him away from the Red Devils might come at a hefty price.
It’s a long road ahead for Newcastle. With just one loan signing, Lewis Hall, whose transition from Chelsea is almost a certainty, the Magpies must strategise meticulously, keeping in mind both immediate and long-term goals.
