Newcastle United’s search for a successor for Sandro Tonali may lead to the Toon recruitment team requesting a favor from PIF.
Following the suspension of Sandro Tonali, the Magpies are looking for a new midfielder. After being investigated for betting by the Italian Football Federation, he will now be unable to play until August 2024.
It means Newcastle are lacking a midfielder, which might be addressed during the January transfer window. However, due to financial fair play limitations, Eddie Howe may not be able to splash the cash and may have to turn to the credit market.
That implies there are fewer feasible solutions, but one of them could result in a highly contentious situation.
Newcastle could move for Ruben Neves in January
Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Ruben Neves on loan from Al Hilal. The 26-year-old joined the Saudi Pro League team for £47 million in the summer as part of Saudi Arabia’s big recruitment push.
Ruben Neves, on the other hand, is already being linked with a return to the Premier League, with Newcastle reportedly interested. PIF owns both the Magpies and Al Hilal, so any sale would be controversial. According to reports, PIF has granted Newcastle permission to sign players from their country’s league in January.
That is good news for Newcastle’s pursuit of Neves, and a new report from the Telegraph has provided details on how he feels about a transfer.
Ruben Neves fancies Premier League return
According to the Telegraph, Neves is unhappy at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia and wants to return to the Premier League.
It does not directly state that he is interested in moving to Newcastle, but why wouldn’t he be? The Magpies are the Premier League’s rising star, and they may still be in the Champions League by the time they acquire Neves.
Interestingly, Howe’s family had ties to Neves before he left for Saudi Arabia. He is not a new target for the club; he has previously been considered.
It’s debatable whether this makes a move to St James’ Park more or less likely, but it appears like Neves wants to return to England after not fitting in in Saudi Arabia.
