Newcastle are ready to sign the £34m midfielder

It tells us that the feeling at the end of 2025/26 is one of relief from the persuasion of Newcastle United, put through the wringer last year in the Premier League.

Twelve months ago, Toon fans celebrated a Carabao Cup victory, with Eddie Howe also leading his side to the Champions League for the second time in three years, but the record-breaking sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool, and further failures in the transfer market, dashed hopes of a rebuild.

It’s been a shaky start to the season, and relegated to a mid-table position, the Magpies haven’t found the form that has taken them through the peaks and valleys over the last few years under Howe.

The PIF have kept faith in the under-fire manager, however, who is preparing for a summer transfer window that could define the next few years on Tyneside.

Newcastle are preparing to offer a new midfielder

Anthony Gordon is in Spain, ready to sign for Barcelona in a deal worth £69m.

The England midfielder is a blessing at Newcastle, earning the Toon a hefty fee for a striker who has hit and flowed this season, scoring 17 times in all competitions but just six times in the Premier League.

Could the imminent sale strengthen Newcastle’s position in keeping Sandro Tonali, whose future is also a source of speculation in 2026?

Tonali is one of the best midfielders in England, and it sounds like he will be leaving St. James’ Park soon. Newcastle need to prepare.

According to Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Newcastle are moving ahead with the signing of Club Brugge’s Alexander Stankovic, leaving Arsenal in the race for the Serbian midfielder.

It is understood that Newcastle could end up paying €40m (around £34m) to sign Stankovic, and with no European football to look forward to next term, they will need to be convinced that this is the move to make.

Why Stankovic could be Newcastle’s next Tonali

Stankovic is one of the world’s most exciting young midfielders, hailed as Club Brugge’s “leader” by talent scout Jacek Kulig. An intelligent midfielder, he will understand the mix of strength and beauty that Howe plays in his midfielders.

Giving order in the middle of the park, fighting and insisting. His creative play is nothing to be sniffed at, and there is a case to be made that he can handle the role Tonali plays under Howe’s management.

The Premier League, of course, is a step up from the Belgian Pro League, but there is no doubt about Stankovic’s ability to succeed after making such a change, which has several uncanny similarities with the Italian law of Newcastle.

There is nothing to suggest that the two couldn’t get along in Howe’s midfield, which is joined by captain Bruno Guimaraes, but if Stankovic’s contract is up this summer, it sounds like there will be talk of Tonali’s exit.

Newcastle have changed their strategy, however, learning the errors of their ways last year. They are now ready to cash in on those looking elsewhere, with Tonali seemingly set to sign for the club’s rivals, with Arsenal and Manchester United both interested.

Stankovic’s midfield play is perfect for the Toon. They need to complete this deal, improve and deepen a squad that has lost its way this season.

Newcastle haven’t been there this season, but they still have plenty of quality in their squad, and if Howe and technical director Ross Wilson can prevent an attacking tension or two alongside Stankovic in midfield, they could find themselves back in the promotion sooner rather than later.