Newcastle United’s midfield is set for a major rebuild with the pair of Bruno and Sandro Tonali facing exits at some point throughout the summer transfer window.
The club is aware and would do well to profit from selling those two if bids reach the reported figures, and keep monitoring possible replacements as Tottenham, Manchester City and Arsenal continue to circle their starters.
According to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, while Newcastle admire AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, they do not currently
believe they are likely to sign him.
“Newcastle really like AZ Alkmaar’s Smit and enquired about him last summer,” Waugh wrote. “They would love to sign the 20-year-old — but do not believe they are going to.”
Waugh reported that Newcastle insiders were “bemused” by claims the club had re-engaged over Smit, because they have believed since the winter that he is more likely to join an elite European club.
Smit was linked to Newcastle as a possible Tonali replacement, with the Magpies expected to need at least another midfielder if the Italy international, let alone Bruno, leaves this summer.
Waugh also addressed why Newcastle may wait before signing a replacement, noting that the club understands the risk of selling Tonali first and then negotiating from a weaker position.
“Preferably he would only go once a midfielder is already acquired,” Waugh wrote, adding that the order of transfer business does not always go according to plan. Expect the unexpected.
