NUFC 26-year-old should be very worried about what Howe wants to do after Tonali deal – opinion

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Newcastle United have completed a deal to sign Sandro Tonali from AC Milan. Now it is on to the next one.

Eddie Howe was desperate to sign a marquee midfielder this summer, and he’s got it in Tonali. However, he has plenty of other positions that he would like to improve in ahead of next season.

With Newcastle set to compete in the Champions League, it is vital that Howe has a stronger squad to choose from. He is going to have to rotate more, having relied on a rather small pool of players in the 2022/23 campaign.

The Toon boss is keen to boost his defence, but he is also looking for attacking reinforcements.

Newcastle look to sign left winger

It has been reported by the Telegraph that Newcastle want to sign a left winger ahead of next season. Harvey Barnes is an option for the Magpies, with the 25-year-old expected to leave Leicester following their relegation.

Barnes would be a decent signing. While he is not a high profile name, his numbers speak for themselves. He scored 13 times last season, in a Leicester team that could not avoid the drop.

A right-footed winger who loves cutting in on his left, Barnes is ideal for the Magpies, but a move for the England international would raise questions about a player who is already at St James’ Park.

Bad news for Allan Saint-Maximin

A lot is being said about the future of Allan Saint-Maximin. He is being linked with a move away this summer, with the possibility of going to Saudi Arabia.

Most fans would like the Frenchman to stay, but a move for Barnes, or any left winger, would cast further doubt over ASM’s Toon career.

As it stands, Newcastle have Saint-Maximin, Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy, Joelinton and Joe Willock who can all operate on the left of attack.

Of course, they are not all out-and-out left wingers. Isak will play through the middle, Gordon and Murphy can be used on the right while Joelinton and Willock are primarily centre-midfielders.

But Howe is well stocked on the left of attack. If anything, it is the right that needs strengthening. While Miguel Almiron did brilliantly last season, it is going to be a big ask for him to repeat or even better his 11-goal haul.

The fact Newcastle are looking to sign another left winger suggests that Howe does not have total confidence in Maxi, and a new arrival would further limit the 26-year-old’s prospects of being a regular starter next season.