Newcastle United may be sitting mid-table as 2026 begins, but that hasn’t stopped manager Eddie Howe from being linked with bigger challenges. Despite some inconsistency this season, Howe’s work at St James’ Park has been widely praised.
He guided the club to an EFL Cup win and has brought European football back to Tyneside, showing Newcastle can compete on a larger stage.
While rumors swirl about Chelsea’s interest in Howe, the Newcastle boss seems focused on a crucial January window that could redefine the Magpies’ season. Several midfield reinforcements are reportedly on the agenda, as Howe looks to stabilize a squad that has struggled at times this campaign.
One key concern is Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder has been inconsistent this season, and with Chelsea reportedly keeping tabs on him, Newcastle may need a replacement sooner rather than later. Enter Matteo Guendouzi, the combative Lazio star who has been turning heads across Europe.
Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb claims Newcastle are preparing a “strong move” for Guendouzi this January, with Sunderland and Turkish giants Fenerbahce also showing interest. The reported fee is £23 million a fraction of Tonali’s rumored £130 million valuation making him an intriguing bargain for Howe.
Guendouzi is a dynamic midfielder capable of both breaking up play and creating chances. His style mirrors Tonali’s in many ways, making him an ideal candidate to fill the void if Newcastle decide to cash in on the Italian. Last season, Tonali was hailed as “one of the best midfielders in Europe,” combining creativity with defensive grit.
However, this season his performances have dipped, with high turnovers and minimal tackles in key games. This has sparked speculation that Newcastle may consider selling if a suitable replacement is available.
Guendouzi brings energy, creativity, and physical presence to the center of the pitch. He has already proven in Serie A that he can control games, contribute goals and assists, and dominate the midfield with relentless work rate. His arrival could immediately offset Tonali’s departure while giving Howe a fresh option who is eager to prove himself in the Premier League.
A direct comparison of Guendouzi and Tonali over the past 12 months highlights how the Frenchman stacks up:
| Stat (per 90 mins) | Guendouzi | Tonali |
|---|---|---|
| Shot-creating actions | 3.05 | 2.76 |
| Attempted passes | 57.18 | 55.89 |
| Pass completion % | 89.4% | 82.1% |
| Progressive passes | 6.94 | 5.63 |
| Progressive carries | 1.92 | 1.54 |
| Progressive passes received | 2.08 | 1.78 |
| Tackles | 1.13 | 1.41 |
| Interceptions | 0.84 | 1.04 |
| Blocks | 1.13 | 1.33 |
| Clearances | 1.26 | 1.22 |
| Aerials won | 0.42 | 0.45 |
Looking at the numbers, Guendouzi matches or exceeds Tonali in many attacking and progressive metrics. While Tonali may hold a slight edge in defensive actions, Guendouzi’s ability to drive the team forward and generate chances makes him a formidable replacement at a much lower cost.
Scouts have even described him as a “monster” in midfield, highlighting his strength and presence qualities that Howe values highly in central areas.
For Newcastle, the January window could be transformative. If Guendouzi arrives, he has the potential to become a Premier League standout while giving Howe the balance he needs in midfield.
The Magpies could turn what might seem like a risky sale of Tonali into a strategic upgrade, bringing in a player who can energize the squad and push Newcastle closer to European contention once again.
At just £23 million, Guendouzi represents a chance for Newcastle to reinforce intelligently, blend youth and experience, and maintain the competitive edge they have worked hard to regain in recent years. For fans hoping to see their team climb the table, this could be one of the most important signings of the season.
