Newcastle United £34m bid for “monster” Cm is set to be accepted, he’d be Tonali 2.0

Newcastle’s Champions League Return Inspired by Key Trio, But Tonali Holds the Key to 2024/25 Success — Gallagher Lined Up as Potential Midfield Partner

 

Newcastle United’s return to the UEFA Champions League last season was largely driven by the exceptional attacking form of three key players — Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Jacob Murphy. Their combined efforts in front of goal produced an astonishing 72 goal contributions across all competitions, helping propel Eddie Howe’s side to a coveted top-four finish and a place in Europe’s elite competition.

 

While the attacking trio rightfully earned plaudits, much of the tactical balance and midfield control in the earlier part of the season stemmed from the influence of Sandro Tonali. The Italian international arrived at St. James’ Park with high expectations following his move from AC Milan, and though his debut campaign was interrupted by a 10-month suspension due to breaches of gambling regulations, his impact was clear in the games he did feature in.

 

Now back for the 2024/25 campaign, Tonali’s return could prove pivotal. His presence in the middle of the park will be critical if Newcastle are to advance past the group stages of the Champions League and continue their domestic resurgence. However, with the club competing on multiple fronts, there are indications that Eddie Howe may be looking to bolster his midfield with another player of Tonali’s profile — someone dynamic, industrious, and technically sound.

 

Gallagher Offered to Newcastle – Tonali’s Potential Midfield Partner?

 

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Newcastle United have been presented with an opportunity to sign Conor Gallagher, the dynamic box-to-box midfielder currently contracted to Atlético Madrid. The former Chelsea star is reportedly exploring an exit from the Spanish capital after just one season abroad, and multiple Premier League clubs — including Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest — have been offered his services.

 

Although no formal negotiations have taken place yet, the report claims that Eddie Howe is a long-time admirer of Gallagher’s playing style. Atlético are believed to be open to parting ways with the Englishman for a fee in the region of €40 million (approximately £34 million) — a price point that could prove tempting for the Magpies.

 

While Aston Villa and Forest are also in the mix, Newcastle’s participation in the Champions League may give them a significant advantage in the race. For a player with Gallagher’s ambition and energy, the opportunity to return to England and feature regularly on Europe’s biggest stage might be too good to turn down.

 

If the deal goes through, Gallagher could very well become Newcastle’s version of “Tonali 2.0.”

 

Statistical Similarities – Gallagher vs. Tonali

 

Despite Tonali missing a large portion of the previous campaign due to his ban, he still managed to make an impression. He contributed to nine goals in all competitions, while maintaining strong defensive stats: winning 54% of his duels, completing 59% of his dribbles, and averaging 4.9 ball recoveries and 1.4 tackles per match. These performances solidified his status as a key figure in Howe’s tactical setup.

 

Interestingly, Gallagher’s statistical profile mirrors Tonali’s in many areas. Data from FBref shows that Gallagher ranks as the eighth-most similar player to Tonali among those playing in Europe’s top five leagues. Both midfielders contributed six goals and provided a similar number of assists last season. Their shot volume per 90 minutes (1.21 for Tonali vs. 1.20 for Gallagher), goal-creating actions (eight for Tonali vs. nine for Gallagher), and even touches inside the opposition penalty area (38 vs. 45) all suggest striking parallels in their approach and effectiveness.

 

Defensively, Gallagher also shows impressive numbers, tackling 44.9% of dribblers faced, compared to Tonali’s 49%. While he played in 50 matches for Atlético Madrid last season, only 28 of those appearances were as a starter — a potential indicator of his desire to seek more consistent game time.

 

A Premier League-Proven Workhorse

 

Conor Gallagher is no stranger to the Premier League. During his previous stints at Crystal Palace and Chelsea, he built a reputation as a tireless midfielder, capable of pressing aggressively, breaking up play, and contributing in the final third. One analyst described him as a “pressing and transition monster,” qualities that would complement Tonali’s composed and tactical style of play.

 

Although his time in La Liga may not have unfolded exactly as hoped, Gallagher would likely return to England a more experienced and well-rounded player — one capable of stepping into Newcastle’s first team and making an immediate impact.

 

Final Thoughts – A Midfield Engine Room of Champions League Quality?

 

With Sandro Tonali now back in the fold and poised to play a key role in Newcastle’s European campaign, the prospect of adding Gallagher to the squad is tantalising. Together, the pair could offer the perfect blend of defensive discipline, tactical intelligence, and attacking drive — forming a midfield axis that could dominate Premier League battles and go toe-to-toe with Europe’s best.

 

At £34 million, Gallagher represents a relatively low-risk investment for a player still entering his prime, with Premier League pedigree and the energy levels that align perfectly with Howe’s high-intensity style.

 

If Eddie Howe is serious about building a squad capable of challenging for honours both domestically and in Europe, then the addition of Conor Gallagher could be one of the most astute moves of the summer window.