At a Glance
- Manchester United eye Tonali
- Newcastle star’s future in doubt
- The Italian could be Casemiro’s replacement
Manchester United are reportedly plotting to make a move for Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali in the summer.
According to renowned journalist Christopher Michel, Manchester United are now “seriously working” on a blockbuster deal to bring the Italian midfielder to Old Trafford this summer.
Tonali would command a record-breaking fee to lure him away from The Magpies. They will be reluctant to let their best player leave, but the difference in Champions League football on offer between the clubs could seal the deal for the player.
With Casemiro departing, United have a dire need to buy midfielders. The Brazilian has enjoyed an excellent final season in Manchester, scoring 7 goals. Michael Carrick has sporadically used Manuel Ugarte in the defensive role, and Ruben Amorim played Bruno Fernandes there.
It clearly suggests that there is a dire need for depth. Fortunately for United, Casemiro has been available to play and recover his best form.
Manchester United to sign two midfielders?
United have long been interested in Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson, who is expected to leave the club in the summer. He is expected to move to rivals Manchester City instead for a fee of around £100m.
Beşiktaş midfielder Wilfred Ndidi could find himself at Old Trafford in a low-cost deal. If reports are to be believed, the former Leicester midfielder could be involved in a straight swap deal with Altay Bayindir.
Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, who United enquired about last summer, and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton are also of interest to the INEOS-led transfer strategy.
Tonali subject to Premier League interest
Reports earlier in the season linked him to Premier League rivals Arsenal. So United will be aware that there will be significant interest in the player from big clubs this summer.
The Magpies will likely not have the lure of Champions League football in 2026/27. They currently sit in 9th place after enduring an inconsistent season under Eddie Howe.
Tonali, hailed as “outstanding” by Eddie Howe, is a big game player with a high level of passing range and ability to move the ball progressively in different roles within midfield. It has been short-lived, but United found the perfect midfield combination between Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro.
| Sandro Tonali (Premier League 2025-26) | Statistic |
| Appearances | 29 |
| Starts | 25 |
| Minutes Played | 2,045 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Pass Accuracy | 84.9% |
| Chances Created | 26 |
| Tackles | 29 |
| Interceptions | 26 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 |
| Average Rating | 7.03 |
To compete at a high level, it is imperative for the Reds to keep Mainoo as a starter. A partnership with Tonali blends a perfect duo together who could balance the side with work rate, ball retention, youth and aggressiveness.
The major roadblock is that Newcastle will command a British record fee for the 25-year-old, who is contracted to Howe’s side until 2029. To land Tonali, United will literally need to break the bank.
