Cost £40m, now worth more than Tonali: Newcastle have struck gold on “world-class” ace
Newcastle United has made significant strides in recent years, strategically strengthening their squad despite being constrained by the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
This careful planning has paid off, as the team has hit a remarkable run of form, winning 12 of their last 14 matches across all competitions. Their momentum has seen them climb back into contention for the Champions League spots and secure a place in the Carabao Cup final after confidently defeating Arsenal over two legs.
One of the key players driving this success has been Sandro Tonali, whose resurgence has transformed Newcastle’s midfield. Signed from AC Milan for £55 million in July 2023, Tonali initially faced challenges adapting to life on Tyneside.
Struggling with homesickness and dealing with a ten-month suspension for betting breaches, his journey was anything but smooth. However, his return this season has been nothing short of transformative, elevating Newcastle’s midfield to new heights with his intelligence, vision, and technical prowess.
Although Tonali’s Premier League statistics this season do not reveal a dramatic improvement compared to last year, his impact goes beyond numbers.
His passing accuracy, sharp decision-making, and seamless integration into Eddie Howe’s system make him a standout performer. Observers often note that his brilliance lies in the subtleties of his game, which can only be fully appreciated by watching him play.
Below is a comparison of Tonali’s key statistics from last season to this season, showcasing his growing influence on the pitch:
| Match Stats | 23/24 | 24/25 |
|---|---|---|
| Matches (starts) | 8 (5) | 22 (15) |
| Goals | 1 | 1 |
| Assists | 0 | 1 |
| Touches (per game) | 39.8 | 48.6 |
| Pass completion | 88% | 85% |
| Key passes (per game) | 1.0 | 0.4 |
| Dribbles (success) | 0.4 (60%) | 0.4 (56%) |
| Ball recoveries | 2.5 | 4.7 |
| Tackles + interceptions | 1.2 | 2.4 |
| Total duels won | 2.1 (47%) | 3.6 (52%) |
The £55 million price tag for Tonali now appears to be a bargain, but he is not yet Newcastle’s undisputed main man. That title belongs to his midfield partner Bruno Guimarães, who has been a cornerstone of Eddie Howe’s project since joining from Lyon for £40 million in January 2022.
Guimarães has been instrumental in Newcastle’s success, combining technical brilliance with relentless work ethic to anchor one of the Premier League’s most dynamic midfield trios.
Guimarães stands out as a world-class talent, praised by his manager and fans alike. His ability to dictate play, cover ground, and contribute to both attack and defense makes him indispensable.
Statistically, he ranks among the top midfielders in Europe, excelling in progressive passes, assists per 90 minutes, and through balls. Progressive passes, defined as those that move the ball at least 10 meters closer to the opponent’s goal or into the penalty area, highlight his ability to advance play and create opportunities.
Newcastle’s ambitious ownership, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), recognizes Guimarães’ importance and has tied him to the club with a contract featuring a £100 million release clause.
This figure underscores Newcastle’s determination to retain their star players while positioning themselves as a major force in European football. Clubs like Manchester City, who previously expressed interest in Guimarães, were deterred by the high asking price, emphasizing Newcastle’s strong bargaining position.
The midfield trio of Guimarães, Tonali, and Joelinton has been pivotal to Newcastle’s success. Joelinton, with his physicality and energy, complements the technical finesse of his partners, creating a balanced and formidable unit.
While Guimarães may be the standout player, Tonali’s development and Joelinton’s consistency ensure that Newcastle’s midfield remains a key strength.
Looking ahead, Newcastle’s future appears bright. Their ability to retain top talent like Guimarães and Tonali, combined with strategic investments, positions them as serious contenders in both domestic and European competitions.
If Guimarães were to leave, it would likely be for a record-breaking fee that could further secure Newcastle’s long-term ambitions. However, with a strong project in place, Newcastle seems well-equipped to build around their core players and continue their ascent in the footballing world.