Man United Eyes Newcastle’s Tonali as Casemiro Replacement

Manchester United is preparing to make a significant midfield investment this summer, targeting Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali as the primary candidate to replace Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 25-year-old Italian international has emerged as one of the club's top priorities for the transfer window, according to reports from The Telegraph. United's interest comes as the club faces the challenge of rebuilding its midfield after Casemiro's departure, with manager Erik ten Hag looking to pair Tonali with academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo.

Background

Tonali joined Newcastle United from AC Milan in 2023 for a reported fee of around £55 million, establishing himself as a key player at St. James' Park. The midfielder has developed into one of the Premier League's most sought-after talents, drawing interest from multiple top clubs across Europe.

Casemiro's exit has forced Manchester United to plan ahead for the summer window. The Brazilian midfielder, who has been a regular starter since his arrival from Real Madrid, will become available as a free agent when the 2025-26 season concludes. This departure leaves a significant gap in United's midfield that the club is determined to fill with proven talent.

Tonali's agent, Beppe Riso, recently fueled transfer speculation by suggesting his client could potentially leave Newcastle in the future. In an interview with Tuttosport, Riso indicated that discussions about his client's next move would take place after the season concludes.

"These transfer talks will be held later on. We'll see how the season ends and then decide what to do," Riso said.

The midfielder was briefly linked with Arsenal on the final day of the January transfer window, but any move proved unfeasible given the tight timeframe and likely negotiation process required.

Key Details

The Transfer Fee

Newcastle is expected to demand a substantial fee for Tonali's departure. Reports suggest the club will seek a transfer price in the region of £100 million or potentially higher, reflecting his market value and the club's reluctance to sell a key player.

This valuation places Tonali among the most expensive midfield transfers in recent years. Recent comparable deals include Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo's moves to Chelsea, as well as Declan Rice's transfer to Arsenal—all of which exceeded the £80 million mark.

Competition for Signature

Manchester United is not alone in pursuing Tonali. Juventus has long been interested in bringing the former Milan player back to Italy, while Manchester City is also monitoring his situation as they search for established Premier League talent. This competitive interest could further drive up the asking price.

Tonali is reportedly keen to play Champions League football next season, which could influence his decision. Manchester United currently sits in the Premier League's top four, positioning them well for European qualification, while Newcastle has fallen to 12th place despite their involvement in European competition.

Newcastle's Position

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has publicly stated that Tonali appears content at the club and has shown no indication of wanting to leave. Following the January transfer window speculation, Howe emphasized his player's happiness and commitment to the project at St. James' Park.

"There was no approach from us to lose him at all. He is very happy, loves playing for Newcastle and loves the city. I spoke with him yesterday; his focus is on the present with us. There is no issue with Sandro himself. He is happy and committed," Howe said.

Howe acknowledged, however, that top players naturally attract attention from other clubs and that circumstances can change. He suggested that while he believes Tonali will remain, he cannot control every aspect of the transfer market.

What This Means

Tonali represents Manchester United's primary midfield target as the club prepares for a significant rebuild. His arrival would provide immediate quality and experience to partner with Mainoo, creating a foundation for the club's midfield for years to come.

The potential transfer also signals Manchester United's ambitions to compete at the highest level. By pursuing an established Premier League performer rather than opting for a younger prospect, the club is prioritizing immediate impact over long-term development.

For Newcastle, losing Tonali would represent a significant blow to their Champions League aspirations. The midfielder has become central to the club's plans, and his departure would force the club to seek a replacement during what could be a competitive summer market.

The coming months will determine whether United can convince Newcastle to part with their star player. With multiple clubs interested and Newcastle's reluctance to sell, any deal would likely require United to meet a substantial asking price and potentially offer wages that reflect Tonali's status as one of the Premier League's most talented midfielders.