Newcastle United are set to sign a major midfielder from a club in Milan, but this time last week it looked like that honour would go to Nicolo Barella.
Before Newcastle made their move for Sandro Tonali, the Inter Milan star was the one who Toon fans were buzzing about seeing make the move to St James’ Park.
That move has since collapsed, and now Tonali is due to join Eddie Howe’s side. There is hope that the deal can be finalised today, with the 23-year-old set to sign a six-year deal with the Magpies.
There is huge excitement surrounding this signing, but it remains to be seen whether or not Barella would have been a better addition. Now the Independent’s Miguel Delaney has explained why the 26-year-old is not the one heading to Tyneside.
Why Nicolo Barella is not coming to Newcastle
In his weekly newsletter Reading The Game, Delaney has explained why Newcastle are signing Tonali instead of Barella.
He states that as well as Inter wanting too much money for the Euro 2020 winner, Barella does not actually want to leave Italy.
During speculation over a move to Newcastle, it was reported that it was unclear if Barella was actually interested in a move to the North East. Now we know that he was not.
His preference is to remain in Serie A, which ultimately led to Newcastle turning their attention to Tonali. He is now set to join the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Sven Botman at St James’ Park.
The Magpies have moved fast to sign an alternative, and it sounds like some of their Premier League rivals will have to do the same. Delaney states that Liverpool are also interested in signing Barella, but might have to look elsewhere given his desire to remain in Italy.
Newcastle will feel like they have done good business in getting Tonali. He is set to sign for around £60million, whereas Barella was going to cost £80million. So the Magpies have got someone for £20million less who is actually three years younger. In that respect, it sounds like this has worked out for the best.
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