Who Newcastle could sign to replace Sandro Tonali?

21 Oct 2023 14:25 BST
4 min read

Newcastle midfielders Tonali and Bruno — © ProShots

Newcastle could look to sign a replacement for Sandro Tonali if the midfielder is indeed banned for 18 months for betting breaches.

Some serious allegations have been leveled at the Italian via reports in his home country - and he could face a seriously lengthy spell out on the sidelines.

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The Magpies may need to have a look at a player to bring in the meantime. The club have a rich assortment of midfielders at their disposal already but their Champions League exploits this season mean that they will be looking to ensure all bases are covered.

READ: Sandro Tonali betting scandal: How long could Newcastle midfielder be banned for?

We have used the SciSports tool to find some of the most similar players to Tonali who could come in, filtering their Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) to no more than €40million and their age no higher than 25 years old.

Teun Koopmeiners

Teun Koopmeiners was linked to Liverpool earlier this year - and it’s fair to say that the Dutchman will have more than his fair suit of suitors. The highly-rated Atalanta player is among the most suitable current footballers to replace Tonali, according to our algorithm, given his pinpoint pass accuracy and efficiency in the build-up phase of play. Koopmeiners knows when to press and is adept at blocking space behind him, acting as a shield to the backline.

Youssouf Fofana

Youssouf Fofana is a Monaco rock. The Frenchman enjoyed a brilliant season last term and has consequently drummed up a number of admirers. FootballTransfers had revealed over the summer window that Newcastle were keen on Fofana before they eventually moved for Tonali when he was at Milan. Fofana has just a single year left on his contract, too - meaning Monaco will have to get him to sign fresh terms or risk seeing him leave on a free transfer.

© ProShots - Sandro Tonali playing for Italy

© ProShots - Koopmeiners playing for the Netherlands

Amadou Haidara

Amadou Haidara is another player who has been linked to Newcastle before. The RB Leipzig player has spent five seasons with his current side. Brighton made an offer for the 25-year-old in January but their offer was snubbed. The Malian continues to impress in Germany and would likely represent a relatively cheaper option for Newcastle if they were to return.

Vitaly Janelt

Vitaly Janelt is a leader on and off the pitch. The German player, who has had spells at Hamburg, RB Leipzig and VfL Bochum, has become a reliable squad member under Thomas Frank. Janelt won’t equal the same quality as Tonali but could prove a shrewd signing for the Magpies.

Janelt has emerged as a crucial piece for Thomas Frank’s Brentford at 23 years of age, with the Bees challenging for a mid-table spot in their first-ever season in the Premier League.