Newcastle United find themselves in a difficult moment this season, but the club’s owners remain fully behind Eddie Howe as he works to pull the team out of the hole they have slipped into. There has been a lot of noise around the manager’s future, but those inside the club still believe he is the right man to turn things around.
Despite sitting 14th in the Premier League and producing worrying away performances, Newcastle have reached the last eight of the Carabao Cup and made a strong start in the Champions League, showing that the foundations of a competitive season are still there. What is expected now is for Howe to make the necessary tweaks to bring the team back toward the top end of the table.
Some of the issues Newcastle are facing stem from the difficult summer transfer window and the painful sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool. His departure disrupted the attacking structure, but the arrival of Nick Woltemade has softened the blow more than many expected.
The young German has been one of the bright spots in a season filled with mixed emotions, and his early form shows why Newcastle paid big money to bring him in.
Below is a simple look at Newcastle’s form so far across all competitions this season:
| Stat | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|
| Games | 10 | 7 |
| Wins | 7 | 1 |
| Draws | 0 | 3 |
| Losses | 3 | 3 |
| Goals Scored | 20 | 7 |
| Goals Conceded | 9 | 8 |
| Points Per Game | 2.1 | 1.16 |
Woltemade, who arrived from Stuttgart for a club-record £69 million in August, has settled quickly. With six goals already for Newcastle and three in his past two outings for Germany, including a brilliant brace against Luxembourg, the 23-year-old is proving he has the qualities to grow into a long-term replacement for Isak.
What makes his start even more impressive is that he has managed to shine during a period where Newcastle’s system is still struggling to click. His 6’6″ frame, delicate footwork and clever movement have allowed him to fit naturally into Howe’s plans.
When the wide players such as Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga start firing consistently, the frontline could become one of the most dangerous in Europe.
But while Woltemade has received a lot of the spotlight, there is another Newcastle star who has quietly risen to an even higher level. That man is Sandro Tonali, a player who has gone from being labelled a “mistake” by some pundits to becoming one of the most valuable midfielders in the Premier League.
Tonali, who joined from AC Milan for around £55 million in 2023, faced a difficult spell early in his Newcastle career due to his suspension. It was a period used by critics to question whether Newcastle had taken an unnecessary risk.
Instead of breaking under pressure, Tonali returned stronger last season and completely transformed Howe’s midfield. His performances across the second half of the campaign helped drive the club through a brilliant run that reminded supporters of the team’s potential.
This season, Tonali has risen even further. According to correspondent Craig Hope, he has been “the best player by a distance,” standing out in a team searching for balance.
What sets him apart now is how progressive he has become on the ball. His passing is braver, quicker and more decisive, and he now ranks in the top 5% of Premier League midfielders for progressive passes per 90 minutes.
These are the kinds of actions that push the team forward, break defensive lines and bring rhythm to Newcastle’s play. A progressive pass is one that moves the ball at least 10 metres closer to goal or any completed pass into the penalty area, and Tonali is producing them constantly.
Observers from across Europe are starting to recognise him as one of the finest midfielders in the league, and his market value is beginning to match that reputation.
While Woltemade is worth a great deal due to age and potential, Tonali operates at a different level. He is a complete midfielder, combining athleticism, strength, technique and intelligence.
Some estimates suggest his value could now sit above the £100 million mark, placing him in the same bracket as teammate Bruno Guimarães.
It is ironic that Jamie Carragher once claimed Newcastle had “made a mistake” signing Tonali. Today, the Italian is proving to be one of the smartest Premier League signings in recent years. In fact, he is now worth more than Woltemade and is playing like the heartbeat of Newcastle United’s future.
