Newcastle United’s decision to sign Sandro Tonali will surely soon be coming under more scrutiny.
Even before Tonali’s ban, there were questions as to whether or not the Italian and Bruno Guimaraes could play together.
While there have certainly been flashes of quality from the midfielder and it must be said a bedding in process was always likely, the fact he will be unavailable makes it a real mess.
Indeed, particularly when the club reportedly opted to sign Tonali over the likes of England midfielder Eberechi Eze.
The Evening Standard previously claimed the club had weighed up a move for the player labelled “mesmerising” by his teammate, Joel Ward.
Now, however, the former QPR youngster could be further out of reach than ever.
Newcastle transfers: Eberechi Eze in talks over new deal
Now, the Standard follow up their initial report.
They suggest Palace are confident their star man will soon sign a new contract worth more than £100k-per-week.
Talks are even said to be an advanced stage with a player they valued at as much as £70m during the summer transfer window.
Newcastle transfer news: More frustration
Whether it was Eze or another player who arrived instead, Tonali’s absence highlights a missed opportunity for Newcastle.
Of course, the club weren’t to know what was to come but to see players the profile of Eze targeted before the decision was made, only for them to now look further out of reach is hugely frustrating.
The club are also in a very difficult position. At some point, Tonali will return, so making another huge midfield signing might not be the best use of funds in the long-term.
Do they stick or twist? That is the multi-million pound question right now.
What is obvious, however, is the fact they may now struggle even more to land Eze from a Premier League rival.
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