Newcastle United are set to be without Sandro Tonali until August 2024, which could be good news for one Toon youngster.
The Magpies are now a midfielder light, which has led to them being linked with signing a replacement when the January transfer window opens. There has been speculation about a move for Kalvin Phillips, while Ruben Neves has also been named as a target.
Alternatively, Newcastle could replace Sandro Tonali from within. That is an option that has been floated by Toon Sporting Director Dan Ashworth, who has been speaking for the first time since the 23-year-old’s suspension was confirmed.
Dan Ashworth names Newcastle teenager as possible Sandro Tonali replacement
In quotes reported by the Telegraph, Ashworth discussed ways in which Newcastle can replace Tonali in the coming months. He suggested that academy product Lewis Miley could end up playing more.
“We’ve got a number of things we can do,” he said.
“It might not be a like-for-like replacement for Sandro. It could be a player who can play in a different position or multiple positions.
“It could be that young Lewis Miley gets more minutes and comes to the fore between now and January.”
Lewis Miley has a huge opportunity at Newcastle suddenly
Ever since his standout performances during pre-season, Newcastle fans have been eager to see more of Lewis Miley.
However, that has not really happened. He has made one appearance so far this season, starting the Carabao Cup win over Manchester City.
On that night, Eddie Howe stated that he now fully trusts the 17-year-old, but it has not led to any more appearances.
That probably would have changed this week, but he was unable to feature against Manchester United due to illness. That was a real shame, as he most likely would have started at Old Trafford.
But Miley’s opportunity will come, and it could come very soon now that Newcastle are a midfielder light. With Tonali suspended, a space has opened up, and it is there for Miley to take. He has the added bonus of Elliot Anderson being injured right now too, with Newcastle’s midfield options even more depleted.
There is so much hype surrounding Miley, who was recently described as a ‘little superstar’ by Sean Longstaff. His talent is clear for all to see despite only being 17, and he now has a genuine chance of playing more first-team football in the coming months.
It is certainly something that the club are considering based on what Dan Ashworth has said about the Geordie wonderkid.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
