Manchester United are reportedly intensifying their pursuit of Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, with the club’s novel ownership group, INEOS, actively working towards a potential summer transfer. The move comes as United prepare for the departure of Casemiro at the finish of the season and seek to bolster their midfield options, with Tonali emerging as a key target.
The 25-year-old Italian international has quickly established himself as a pivotal figure for Newcastle since joining from AC Milan in the summer of 2023, becoming a “superstar player” in the eyes of Newcastle’s chief executive officer, David Hopkinson, who made the comment in February 2026, according to reports.
Interest from Old Trafford is “clear,” according to reports, and would likely require a British record fee to convince Newcastle to part with their prized asset. Newcastle are believed to value Tonali at around €100 million (£86.5 million) – a figure that reflects his growing importance to Eddie Howe’s squad.
Tonali’s Rise and United’s Midfield Needs
Tonali’s journey to prominence began at Brescia, where he won Serie B in 2018-19 before a loan spell with AC Milan led to a permanent move. He played a key role in Milan’s Serie A title win in 2021-22, making 70 appearances and scoring seven goals. Since arriving at Newcastle, Tonali has featured in 73 games, scoring five goals, and has turn into a regular in the Italy national team, earning 30 caps and scoring three goals as of November 2025, according to his Wikipedia profile.
Manchester United’s interest stems from a need to refresh their midfield. With Casemiro set to exit, the club is looking for a dynamic and energetic replacement. Tonali has been identified as a long-term successor to the Brazilian, with his box-to-box capabilities seen as a perfect complement to the technical skills of Kobbie Mainoo. The club is also considering other options, including Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, but Tonali has risen to the top of the shortlist.
INEOS’s Involvement and Player’s Perspective
The involvement of INEOS, United’s new ownership group, signals a serious intent to secure Tonali’s signature. Journalist Christopher Michel reported on X (formerly Twitter) on March 18, 2026, that the club is “seriously working on a move” for the Italian midfielder, adding that Tonali is “apparently quite open to a move to Manchester.”
I’ve heard that #MUFC are seriously working on a move for Sandro Tonali. And the Italian midfielder is apparently quite open to a move to Manchester. The club have been keeping tabs on him for a long time. Would he be a decent signing?
— Christopher Michel (@CMoffiziell) March 18, 2026
Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, recently suggested that his client is ready for a move to a bigger club, stating that Tonali’s aim from the moment he joined England was “to try and turn him into a star player.” Riso indicated that Arsenal and Manchester City were also potential destinations, but acknowledged that a move to a Champions League club would be appealing.
Howe’s Stance and Champions League Factor
Despite the speculation, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has publicly expressed his satisfaction with Tonali’s commitment to the club. Ahead of Newcastle’s Champions League match against Barcelona, Howe stated that Tonali is “totally committed” and “very much part of the team,” adding that he has seen a “real strength of character” from the player since his arrival. Howe did note that Tonali had been feeling unwell recently, but emphasized his dedication to the team.
A significant factor in Tonali’s potential move could be Manchester United’s likely return to the Champions League next season. Unlike Newcastle, United are in a strong position to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition, which could be a deciding factor for a player accustomed to playing at that level. Tonali is familiar with the competition, and the opportunity to continue playing in the Champions League could be a key motivator.
The pursuit of Sandro Tonali represents a significant investment for Manchester United as they gaze to rebuild their midfield. The coming months will be crucial as the club attempts to negotiate a deal with Newcastle and convince Tonali to make the move to Old Trafford. The next key development will likely come after the conclusion of the current World Cup, as Tonali’s agent indicated, when the transfer landscape will become clearer.
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