Abdulhafiz TeslimIt’s a new dawn at Newcastle United, but old habits die hard as Eddie Howe faces another challenging summer in the transfer market.
Newcastle will have a clearer schedule next season after being consigned to domestic duties following a disappointing 12th-place finish in the Premier League. It marks a stark contrast to the memorable 2024/25 campaign, when the Magpies secured Champions League qualification and lifted the Carabao Cup with a famous victory over Liverpool at Wembley.
Howe has already lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, while Sandro Tonali’s future remains uncertain amid growing interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
How Newcastle plan to replace Sandro Tonali
Tonali, 26, has been described as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by his agent, Beppe Riso. Few would argue with that assessment. The Italian has been a key figure for Newcastle over the past few seasons, dictating play and providing the heartbeat of Eddie Howe’s midfield.
While Tonali remains under a long-term contract at St. James’ Park, reports suggest he would be open to considering the right opportunity should a suitable offer arrive. Newcastle, however, are under no pressure to sell and are believed to value the midfielder at around £100 million.
If a club such as Tottenham meets that valuation, Newcastle already appear to have identified a potential successor.
According to Football Insider, the Magpies are interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yasin Ayari this summer. Whether Brighton are willing to negotiate remains uncertain.
The Seagulls reportedly valued the Swedish international at around £20 million last year, but after another impressive campaign, Newcastle may now have to pay considerably more. However, with Ayari’s current deal entering its final year, the Magpies could still hope to negotiate a more favourable fee if Brighton fail to agree fresh terms with the midfielder.
Why Ayari could replace Tonali
Ayari may not yet be the finished product, but there is little doubt about his potential to thrive under Howe’s guidance.
The 22-year-old has established himself as one of Sweden’s brightest young talents and recently impressed during his country’s opening matches at the FIFA World Cup. Even in Sweden’s heavy defeat to the Netherlands, Ayari showcased his composure on the ball, intelligent passing range and willingness to drive attacks from midfield.
His game combines technical quality with an aggressive defensive work rate. While he may not possess Tonali’s elegance just yet, he offers many of the same qualities that have made the Italian such an important player for Newcastle.
Alongside Bruno Guimaraes, Ayari could be allowed to develop naturally, with the Brazilian providing experience and balance in midfield. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has previously praised the youngster’s physical and mental resilience, attributes that would fit well into Howe’s demanding system.
Should Newcastle eventually receive an irresistible offer for Tonali, Ayari represents an exciting long-term option capable of growing into one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.
Tonali remains one of the league’s finest midfielders, and Newcastle would only consider selling if their valuation is met. But if that scenario unfolds, Ayari could prove to be the ideal successor—an exciting young talent with the technical ability, energy and potential to become another star at St. James’ Park.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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