Newcastle target CONTROVERSIAL €47m Tonali replacement

Robin Bairner

27 Oct 2023 08:34 BST
3 min read

Sandro Tonali, Newcastle United — © ProShots/FootballTransfers

Newcastle United’s priority in the January transfer window will be finding a replacement for Sandro Tonali after the midfielder was handed a 10-month ban because of illegal gambling.

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Eddie Howe’s side therefore have a gap to fill in the midfield, with Manchester United’s Scott McTominay and Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips having been cast as potential replacements for the Italy international.

But according to The Sun, Newcastle could look to take advantage of their links to the Saudi Pro League to snatch Ruben Neves from Al-Hilal.

The Portugal international player was wanted by Barcelona this summer but ultimately moved to Saudi Arabia for a fee of €55 million from Wolves.

He has gone on to play 13 times for his new club, where he is a teammate of Neymar, and has scored one goal and created another.

© ProShots - Ruben Neves played for Wolves last season

Neves transfer would be controversial

There should be little problem in landing Neves, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €47m, for Newcastle either, given that they are both owned by the Saudi Arabia PIF, meaning a smooth transition between the clubs should be possible. Attractive terms for both clubs, such as a six-month loan deal, could be easily thrashed out.

Even with Neymar a long-term absentee at Al-Hilal, the Saudi’s flagship club is Newcastle and, therefore, the Magpies will be their priority to strengthen in January.

McTominay or Phillips would not arrive so easily, particularly with the Scotland international earning more regular starts at Man Utd in recent weeks.

This move would likely be seen as controversial given the sensitivities over Saudi Arabia’s ownership of Newcastle and the concern over multi-club models on the whole.

Indeed, it could open the door to Newcastle signing a string of world-class players, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane just some of the stars who are on the wage bill of the PIF at other Saudi Pro League club.