Recruitment has been key to Newcastle United’s rise under Eddie Howe. Saudi Arabia’s takeover of the North East club in 2021 led many to believe the Magpies would become the Premier League’s next big spenders. Predictions were made that the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar would pitch up at St James’ Park, but this hasn’t happened.

Of course, Newcastle have spent a lot of money – roughly around £300m since the Saudi-led takeover nearly two years ago – but they have spent that money smartly. The Magpies have targeted youth and players poised to take the next step in their careers – see Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman.

Sandro Tonali fits the profile. At 23, the Italian midfielder is already an established performer for AC Milan. He was a driving force for the Rossoneri as they won the Serie A title for the first time in 11 years and is widely seen as a key part of Italy’s next generation. Now, he is reportedly on the brink of a €70m transfer to Newcastle.

At AC Milan, Tonali has thrived as a member of Stefano Pioli’s midfield trio and at Newcastle United he will be integrated into a similar three-man unit in which the 23-year-old will be a two-way operator. Shrewd scouting has led the St James’ Park outfit to the Italian and there’s no reason to believe he won’t be a good fit alongside Guimaraes and Joe Willock.

Newcastle haven’t just signed the right players, though, they have signed the right characters. A strong connection has been established between the players on the pitch and the supporters in the stands at St James’ Park. Newcastle United fans see themselves in many of their new signings and they will see themselves in Tonali too.

Likened to Daniele de Rossi and Gennaro Gattuso, Tonali is renowned for the passion he showcases on the pitch. The Italian is not shy in the way he plays and carries himself. He is the beating heart of AC Milan and he will get the blood pumping for Newcastle United too. The 23-year-old will almost certainly make himself a fan favourite in the North East.

Known to be a boyhood AC Milan fan, Tonali might need some time to acclimatise to his new surroundings in England, but the Premier League should be a good environment for the Italian. His energy and drive will be perfect for the top flight of English football and his personality will be perfect for Newcastle, both as a club and a city.

Tonali isn’t the only target on Newcastle’s radar this summer. The Magpies have been linked with James Maddison following Leicester City’s relegation to the Championship with the England international a long-term target. Kieran Tierney is another who is of interest to Newcastle with Howe keen to add the Arsenal left back to his squad.

On the right side of defence, Tino Livramento has been identified as a target with Southampton reportedly willing to sell the youngster for approximately £25m. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility that Newcastle could make a move for another wide attacker with questions over Allan Saint-Maximin’s future still lingering.

Last season’s top four finish was an overachievement for Newcastle United. Howe’s team will compete in next season’s Champions League and that means they require greater depth in all areas of their squad. Tonali’s signing would be about more than adding depth, though. It would be a statement of the ambition harboured at the club. Something special is happening at St James’ Park and Tonali can be a part of it.

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