Newcastle United’s pursuit of Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi could be reignited soon after the Italian star was once again advised to leave the San Siro in search of regular football.
The Magpies tried to sign Frattesi during the summer transfer window but were unsuccessful, as Inter were determined to keep hold of the 26-year-old.
However, that decision now appears to have backfired for both the club and the player, with Frattesi struggling to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup this season.
A source close to the matter revealed that Newcastle had made contact with Frattesi’s representatives earlier in the year to explore the possibility of a move, but the talks didn’t progress.
At the time, Inter Milan were firm in their stance that the Italian midfielder was not for sale. Since then, Frattesi’s situation has changed dramatically.
He has managed to start only one Serie A game so far this season and has featured for just 297 minutes across all competitions a surprisingly low figure for a player of his quality and international experience.
Italian journalist Nando Orsi recently expressed his frustration with how Frattesi’s career has stalled at Inter. Speaking to Radio Radio, Orsi did not hold back his criticism, suggesting that the player made a poor career decision by joining a club where competition for midfield spots is fierce.
“Frattesi made a choice by going to Inter, but he knew Barella was there,” Orsi said, referring to Nicolo Barella, one of Inter’s key midfielders. “When Barella isn’t there, he plays; otherwise, he stays on the bench. They even tried to play both of them together, with Barella higher up the pitch, but it wasn’t a great choice.”
Orsi went on to advise Frattesi to seek a move away from Inter in January to avoid wasting his prime years sitting on the bench. “Frattesi would play for any other Italian team other than Inter,” he added.
“He should ask himself a few questions. Leave Inter and go play, otherwise you’ll have a career in which you’ve earned a lot but played very little.”
Under current manager Cristian Chivu, Frattesi has struggled to establish himself as a key figure in Inter’s setup. The club currently boasts a crowded midfield, with seven different players available for selection following the summer arrival of Andy Diouf.
This depth of options has pushed Frattesi further down the pecking order, making it increasingly difficult for him to secure regular minutes.
Frattesi’s playing style also seems to clash slightly with Inter’s tactical setup. While the club tends to favor technically gifted midfielders capable of controlling possession and dictating tempo, Frattesi is more of a box-to-box runner who thrives on late attacking runs and breaking into the opposition’s area.
This more dynamic and direct approach has made him a valuable asset for the Italian national team, but it has not translated into consistent opportunities at club level.
Reports in Italy suggest that Newcastle United have continued to monitor Frattesi’s situation closely. The Magpies see him as a player who could bring energy, drive, and goal threat from midfield qualities that manager Eddie Howe values highly.
The presence of Sandro Tonali, Frattesi’s teammate from the Italian national side, could also play a role in persuading him to consider a move to Tyneside. Tonali remains a popular figure at St James’ Park, and his experience could help Frattesi adapt quickly to English football.
A potential move to Newcastle would offer Frattesi a fresh start and the chance to play in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
The Premier League’s high-intensity style would suit his physicality and box-crashing instincts perfectly. More importantly, it would give him the opportunity to become a key player rather than a squad option.
As things stand, the January transfer window could be decisive for Frattesi’s career. If his playing time at Inter continues to be limited, a move abroad possibly to Newcastle United might be exactly what he needs to revive his momentum.
For Newcastle, it would be another ambitious step in their ongoing effort to strengthen the squad with international talent capable of pushing the club to new heights in both domestic and European competitions.
