The likely options to replace Sandro Tonali
By James Fudge
Eddie Howe has also been a big fan of bringing in English players who seem to stall in their careers and revitalise them. It doesn’t always work but when it does, the success is all that sweeter.
There is one player who fits that bill perfectly, and it seems he will be available come the turn of the year. Kalvin Phillips has seen his time limited at the Premier League champions since arriving from Leeds United and is looking for regular football ahead of Euro 2024.
He has struggled to remove Rodri from his starting position, and wasn’t in consideration when the Spanish midfielder earned a suspension for a red card, leaving the defensive midfielder to admit to considering a move when asked during the international break.
A loan deal will be a favourable option and could be possible providing a fixed fee is an option at the end of his term and his full wages are covered. City are wanting to recoup close to the £42million he cost from the Yorkshire team two seasons ago. A deal is a favourable one.
The links between Newcastle and Saudi Arabia could lead to one of the Pro League’s midfield stars returning to European football providing the PIF, who have invested in four Pro League clubs, ratify the deal in favour of the Premier League side.
Newcastle Toons have already discussed Ruben Neves, which seems a perfect fit given the league and Champions League experience, but there’s a possibility of Gabri Veiga and Marco Brozovic, or even a return for Georginio Wijnaldum.
Those players could all give Newcastle the extra push ahead of the run-in and a favourable loan option will allow Tonali to come back once his suspension is up.