When Sandro Tanoli joins the club this week, the Magpies will expect to make progress with their third summer addition.
Newcastle United’s second summer addition, Sandro Tanoli, will join Eddie Howe’s side this week, but what happens next as the transfer window closes?
According to NewcastleWorld, the AC Milan player will land on Tyneside in the coming days to complete his much anticipated move to St James Park and officially become one of the club’s most expensive signings in history. Adding such a high-quality and functional alternative to Eddie Howe’s midfield ranks will be a welcome help as he considers how to bring out the most in Tonali and United’s star man Bruno.
Despite the regret of missing out on the signing of RB Leipzig and Hungary star Dominik Szoboszlai, who is poised to join Premier League rivals Liverpool after having a medical on Merseyside, the duo will undoubtedly be followed by other new players as the summer progresses.
Although some fans may be tired of hearing about it, United must continue to cope with Financial Fair Play regulations as they navigate the summer transfer window. The £40 million transaction that brought Anthony Gordon to Tyneside in January pushed the Magpies to their breaking point, but qualifying for the Champions League and the riches that can come with it, as well as the recently announced sponsor partnerships, will offer them some breathing room.
Sandro Tonali will be one of the club’s most costly additions, but there is still room to bring in more players in the coming weeks and months. There are areas of priority, with a centre-back, left-back, and center midfielder said to be high on the Magpies’ priority list.
However, a crucial concern may arise if they are presented with an unexpected opportunity to add a player who could boost their squad but falls outside of their prioritized areas. For example, if a top-tier right-sided winger becomes available and a deal is feasible, do they stick with what they have at left-back and in midfield?
That may have happened if a deal for Szoboszlai had gone through. As NewcastleWorld reported last week, negotiations about a transfer were held prior to Liverpool activating a release clause in the RB Leipzig star’s contract. If the Hungarian had joined Newcastle, he would have been an upgrade on United’s right-sided alternatives, but he would also have constrained their budget for additional recruits.
Navigating the transfer market is always difficult, with deals changing on a daily or even hourly basis. So, while United will remain proactive, they may also need to be reactive when possibilities present themselves. The one constant message has been that the Magpies hierarchy is ready for anything and everything.
Eddie Howe’s options at right and left back have been widely examined in recent weeks. Kieran Trippier is definitely the Magpies’ first-choice right winger, with Javier Manquillo, Emil Krafth, and January addition Harrison Ashby providing backup.
However, the alleged talks between Manchester United and Southampton regarding a trade for Tino Livramento have surprised many. Manquillo is expected to leave this summer, with at least two Spanish clubs interested in the former Liverpool and Atletico Madrid player. Krafth is nearing the end of his long-term injury recovery after displaying hopeful signs of growth under Howe.
The plan for Ashby, who United have high hopes for, is a little unclear and could depend on the success of their pursuit of Livramento. Should a deal be completed, it seems highly likely Ashby will depart on loan before the window closes and several Championship clubs are believed to have shown an interest in the former West Ham United youngster. If Livramento remain on the South coast or head elsewhere, Ashby will likely stay with Newcastle and provide backup for Trippier and Krafth, as well as playing for the club’s Under-21s.
On the other side of Howe’s defense, Dan Burn was Howe’s favoured option for the most of the season. Matt Targett, Matt Ritchie, and Jamal Lewis are among the players in Howe’s ranks who might provide competition. A contract offer to Magpies stalwart Paul Dummett has also yet to be officially confirmed.
Despite having a multitude of options in that position, Howe would like to upgrade at left-back, and there is serious interest in Arsenal and Scotland star Kierney. The speculation around the deal has died down, and it appears like the former Celtic star will remain at the Emirates Stadium, with United considering a variety of other options.
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