Sandro Tonali is getting closer and closer to making his Newcastle United comeback, and that is impacting Paul Mitchell’s summer transfer plans.
The Newcastle United sporting director is yet to make a splash in the transfer market, having arrived as Dan Ashworth’s replacement at the start of July.
Mitchell is now in charge of Newcastle’s recruitment, although Eddie Howe will still have a say. He will be presented with a shortlist of targets, as Newcastle ponder how to spend their £100million transfer budget.
The majority of the budget is likely to go towards a winger, while the Magpies are also eager to sign a centre-back who will go on to become Fabian Schar’s long-term replacement at St James’ Park.
The striker situation is also a priority for Newcastle – especially after Callum Wilson’s latest injury. He is now at risk of missing the season opener against Southampton on August 17th.
Newcastle United preparing to welcome back Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock
Newcastle have plenty of areas to address while the transfer window is open, but it does not sound like central midfield is one of them.
According to the Athletic, Mitchell believes that Newcastle United have plenty of depth in the middle of the park. That is due to the fact that Tonali’s ban is almost over, as well as Joe Willock being back from injury.
Tonali will be back in Premier League action on September 1st, which is when Newcastle face Tottenham Hotspur at home. That is the first league fixture after his ban comes to an end on August 27th.
As for Willock, he is working back to full fitness after an Achilles problem. The 24-year-old was with the Newcastle United squad in Germany, and will hopefully feature during Saturday’s friendly against Hull City.
Newcastle’s midfield is suddenly very healthy again
With two key players set to be available, Newcastle do not need additional depth in midfield. Howe is well stocked in that area of the pitch, even after the departure of Elliot Anderson. He joined Nottingham Forest for £35million, with the deal helping solve Newcastle’s PSR problem.
When everyone is available, it feels like Newcastle’s starting midfield three will be Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Tonali. That is a very exciting trio, and they will be backed up by Willock, Lewis Miley and Sean Longstaff.
The depth is very much there, which means Mitchell does not need to worry about sourcing centre-midfielders.
Mitchell may have to change his approach if someone leaves
However, that stance might have to change if someone leaves.
Two of Newcastle United’s midfielders are at risk of being sold. The first is Bruno Guimaraes, as he has attracted a lot of interest this summer. There is a fear that Man City could come in for Bruno, but the fact that his release clause has expired strengthens Newcastle’s position.
The other player at risk is Sean Longstaff. He is in the final 12 months of his Newcastle United contract, which means that a decision needs to be made over his future.
If he were to be sold, you would assume that the Magpies would at least try to sign a replacement – depending on what is left of the transfer budget.
It was recently reported that Newcastle have looked at possible centre-midfielders to sign, but right now that feels like a precautionary move.
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