adminNewcastle United are closing in on a deal for Osasuna winger Victor Munoz, though the 22-year-old’s participation with Spain at the World Cup means completing the transfer could be a lengthy process.
That is frustrating, and something Eddie Howe and technical director Ross Wilson would have hoped to avoid after last summer’s disorganised strategy. Still, Munoz appears worth the wait, and all indications suggest he will eventually sign for the Magpies.
Although the expectation is that Munoz will arrive as a replacement for Anthony Gordon, who has left for Barcelona, Newcastle’s plans have been complicated by fresh reports that Sandro Tonali is exploring a move away from Tyneside.
Newcastle Have Already Started Work on a Tonali Replacement
Over the past three years, Tonali has developed into one of the best central midfielders in Europe while playing for Newcastle. However, he now appears ready for a new challenge and is reportedly considering an exit from St. James’ Park.
Adding to Newcastle’s frustration is the fact that Tonali has held positive discussions with Tottenham Hotspur, despite Spurs missing out on European football and finishing 17th in the Premier League in each of the last two seasons.
While club captain Bruno Guimaraes is not expected to leave this summer, Newcastle will almost certainly need to bring in a high-quality replacement should Tonali depart. The Italian midfielder has reportedly been valued at £85 million by the club.
According to The Athletic, Newcastle have already begun work on a move for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara. The 22-year-old Senegal international has been closely monitored by Howe’s recruitment team.
Newcastle have previously been described as frontrunners in the race for the £43 million-rated midfielder, although Aston Villa and Chelsea are also interested in securing his signature.
Why Camara Could Be Newcastle’s Dream Tonali Replacement
Camara is regarded as one of the most exciting young midfielders in European football. Analyst Ben Mattinson recently described him as a player who “has an insane engine, covering large amounts of ground.”
He is far more than just a hard-working midfielder. Camara combines physicality, composure and technical quality, making him an effective presence in both defensive and attacking phases. He is among the tidiest passers in Ligue 1 and consistently contributes to chance creation while helping his side build attacks through intelligent positioning.
While he may not possess the same elegance on the ball as Tonali, few midfielders do. What Camara does offer is a profile that fits naturally into the style Howe wants Newcastle to play.
There is a strong argument that Camara could provide many of Tonali’s qualities while adding even more energy and defensive intensity, provided he adapts successfully to Premier League football.
League Form Comparison (2025/26)
Stats (* per 90)| Tonali| Camara
Matches (Starts)| 35 (31)| 24 (22)
Goals + Assists| 0 + 2| 3 + 4
Touches*| 58.0| 70.9
Accurate Passes*| 37.7 (84%)| 43.5 (86%)
Big Chances Created| 6| 8
Key Passes*| 0.9| 1.5
Possession Lost*| 11.3| 14.1
Successful Dribbles*| 0.5| 0.7
Ball Recoveries*| 4.2| 6.6
Tackles + Interceptions*| 1.9| 3.8
Duels Won*| 3.1 (55%)| 5.6 (56%)
Camara’s relentless work rate and combative style would allow players such as Guimaraes greater freedom to influence games higher up the pitch, potentially helping Newcastle rediscover the balance that has been missing at times this season.
As Newcastle look to reshape the squad this summer, Howe and Wilson must ensure they make the right decisions. The club appear willing to move on players who are no longer fully committed, while ensuring they receive a fee that reflects their value.
Camara could prove to be an ideal addition. His strength, intensity and all-round midfield qualities make him a highly attractive target, which explains why several top clubs are monitoring him.
Newcastle will be eager to get this deal over the line. If they can secure both Camara and Munoz, they may feel they have effectively replaced Gordon and Tonali while still keeping significant funds available for further recruitment.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
admin
