Newcastle now have green light to go and sign ‘crazy’ 26-year-old player in January

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Newcastle United are looking for ways to replace Sandro Tonali in January, and they may now have their answer thanks to PIF.

The Magpies are looking for a new midfielder following news of Tonali’s 10-month ban. He has been suspended for betting, and will not play for Newcastle again until August 2024.

That is a huge blow, and will force Eddie Howe’s side to be active during the January transfer window. A loan signing sounds like the most likely possibility, with Kalvin Phillips heavily linked with a move to Tyneside at the beginning of the year.

Another player who has been linked with Newcastle is Ruben Neves, who currently plays in Saudi Arabia for Al Hilal. He decided to leave Wolves for the Saudi side during the summer transfer window, with former Toon defender Jose Enrique describing the £47million move as ‘crazy‘.

Just months after leaving the Premier League, he is being linked with a shock return to England, as Newcastle eye a potentially controversial transfer.

Newcastle linked with signing Ruben Neves from fellow PIF club

Newcastle are obviously owned by PIF, who also have a controlling stake in four Saudi Pro League clubs – one of which is Al Hilal.

Therefore, a transfer between the two clubs would cause real controversy. That is something the Magpies have already experienced this year when they sold Allan Saint-Maximin to Al Ahli.

But a move to bring Neves to St James’ Park would cause even more uproar.

However, it sounds like a deal is there to be done if Newcastle decide that is what they want to do.

PIF give Newcastle permission for January deal

According to TEAMtalk, PIF have given Newcastle the green light to sign players from the Saudi Pro League.

That opens up the possibility for Neves to join the Magpies and solve their Sandro Tonali conundrum. A loan deal for the Portugal international could be a great solution, especially as Newcastle look to remain on the right side of financial fair play.

However, a move for Neves would open the club up to even more criticism and scrutiny. Some fans may think ‘bring it on’, but I personally don’t think it is worth the grief.

But the decision will rest with Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth, who will be working tirelessly to ensure Newcastle have a squad capable of competing come the end of the January transfer window.