Newcastle have given a short but sweet message to supporters planning a summer of extravagance following the sale of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham.
Spurs are set to break their transfer record for the second time within 48 hours after agreeing to sign Tonali.
After agreeing to sign Matheus Fernandes from West Ham on Tuesday, Newcastle have now agreed an initial fee of £92.5m plus £7.5m in add-ons to complete Roberto De Zerbi’s midfield shake-up.
Newcastle’s owners PIF have faced backlash from supporters over the release of several key players, with Alexander Isak making a high-profile exit last summer, followed by Anthony Gordon joining Barcelona last month.
Football Fancast Verdict | |
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reliability | Newcastle’s decision to part ways with Tonali came as no surprise, with North East reporter Mark Douglas revealing that the deal would allow him to spend the summer free. “While they didn’t want to sell him to Spurs, insiders say the fee will allow NUFC to strengthen in several positions with high-potential talent in the pipeline.” |
finances | Newcastle currently receive £125m for Isak, £80m for Gordon (though some of it only comes as an add-on) and up to £100m for Tonali (more than £300m for just three players). New Squad Cost Rules (SCR) We will officially start from The Magpies will be in a strong position considering they can spend 85% of their revenue in the 2026/27 season. |
insight | The Tyneside side could benefit from the sale of Tonali if they can use the money to strengthen their attack, after both big-name strikers signed last summer struggled at times on their debuts. |
impact | Tottenham’s move could be a blow to their north London rivals, with Newcastle unlikely to allow Bruno Guimarães to leave. Not only are the Magpies currently in a strong position financially, they cannot afford to lose both star midfielders in one summer. |
Magpies leaders are determined to move quickly to strengthen manager Eddie Howe’s side now that they are free of the PSR shackles, and journalist Mark Douglas has shared some promising news about their plans going forward.
Newcastle are not panicking as they plan to make four signings
Douglas shared an update with iNews on Thursday, revealing that the club has already agreed a deal with Hoffenheim to sign Ivorian winger Bazmana Toure.
The 20-year-old, who scored five goals and provided nine assists in the Bundesliga last season, will join for around £43 million, but he is not the only player on their agenda.
Indeed, Douglas confirmed that Newcastle are keen to sign Tottenham midfielder Archie Gray, Monaco youngster Lamine Camara and Swiss sensation Johan Manzambi, sharing a message he received from a source high up at the club.
Gray must be Newcastle’s priority
Gray, 20, is exactly the kind of midfielder clubs are spending millions on, and Newcastle could be signing him at the perfect time.
Gray made 24 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring two goals and providing two assists while playing in almost every position on the pitch, even assisting at centre-back during an injury crisis.
In fact, what makes him truly special is the range of things he does well – pressing, carrying and reading the game – something few 20-year-olds in European football can match.
Thomas Frank described him as showing “great resilience” and said he was “made of the right character material”, which says as much about his mentality as his abilities.
He won the European Under-21 Championship with England in 2025, started three games as the Young Lions beat Germany in the final, and has Champions League experience on his CV despite being a teenager for most of last season.
With Newcastle in need of a next-generation midfielder to partner Bruno Guimarães for years to come, Gray offers exactly the profile Eddie Howe has always coveted – technically sound, positionally smart and with still years to develop.
Newcastle’s new Anderson will be delighted if Tonali and Guimarães leave
Losing both Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães in the same summer may be a huge blow for Newcastle, but one star could potentially reach his full potential.
