Newcastle likely to see £34m bid accepted for “monster” Cm, he’d be Tonali 2.0

Newcastle United’s impressive return to the Champions League was driven by a lethal attacking trio, but it was orchestrated by the vision and control of Sandro Tonali from deep in midfield.

Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Jacob Murphy provided the firepower, combining for a total of 72 goal involvements across all competitions.

Yet, Tonali’s absence due to his ten-month suspension for gambling violations left a void that could only be filled by a player of equally intelligent and technical quality.

With Tonali back and fully integrated for the 2024/25 campaign, Eddie Howe’s midfield looks stronger, but the manager knows the road to Champions League knockout rounds requires depth, resilience, and fresh energy.

Newcastle are now being offered the chance to add another top-level midfielder. Reports suggest Atlético Madrid are open to selling Conor Gallagher, the former Chelsea star who has experienced a mixed but formative spell in La Liga.

Gallagher is reportedly exploring his options and could be available for around €40 million (£34 million). While Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are also being considered as destinations, Newcastle’s Champions League status makes them a far more attractive proposition.

Eddie Howe, known for his tactical precision and attention to detail, sees Gallagher as a potential game-changer. Though no formal negotiations have begun, there is increasing optimism within the Newcastle camp.

The midfielder would not just be a valuable addition; he would be a perfect complement to Tonali. In many ways, Gallagher could represent a second version of the Italian—a tireless box-to-box engine with an eye for goal and the stamina to control transitions in both directions.

A comparison between Tonali and Gallagher reveals just how similar their impact could be. Tonali contributed four goals and created four big chances in the Premier League last season, averaging 34.9 accurate passes and 1.4 tackles per game.

He recovered nearly five balls each match and completed 59% of his dribbles, illustrating his multi-dimensional role as both creator and disruptor.

These stats from last season underscore the level of parity between the two players, especially in areas such as dribbling, tackling, creativity, and attacking presence.

Gallagher’s 50 appearances for Atlético Madrid demonstrate his durability and versatility, although he only started 28 times. Still, that volume of high-level minutes in Spain will have matured him considerably, making him a stronger, more refined player than the one who left the Premier League.

Gallagher has been described by analysts as a “pressing and transition monster”—a player who thrives in high-intensity systems.

His profile fits seamlessly into Howe’s tactical blueprint, which relies heavily on quick transitions, off-the-ball movement, and disciplined pressing.

Bringing him into the fold would not only provide cover and rotation for Tonali but also allow the team to maintain high-energy performances throughout the season, across multiple competitions.

The timing of such a move is crucial. With the Premier League intensifying and Newcastle’s Champions League ambitions growing, having a player like Gallagher—who can both complement and challenge Tonali—could be the key to sustained success.

Gallagher’s Premier League experience, combined with the growth he’s experienced abroad, positions him as a compelling target.

If the Magpies secure his signature for £34 million, they would be gaining a high-caliber midfielder at a reasonable price.

More importantly, they would reinforce a critical area of the pitch with a player capable of matching Tonali’s intensity and intelligence.

As the club looks to consolidate its position among England’s elite, the addition of Gallagher could be the masterstroke that elevates Newcastle’s midfield to one of the strongest in the league.