Just one month ago, Eddie Howe’s decision to step down as Newcastle United manager sent shockwaves through Tyneside. After everything the former Bournemouth boss had achieved at St. James’ Park, his departure initially felt like the beginning of a major setback for the Magpies.
However, rather than allowing the change in the dugout to derail their progress, Newcastle appear to have responded impressively. The club’s ownership group have continued to make smart decisions in the transfer market, while new head coach Matthias Jaissle is quickly demonstrating why he was identified as the man capable of taking the project forward.
Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in north London provided perhaps the clearest indication yet that Newcastle remain a formidable force. The Magpies looked organised, aggressive and tactically disciplined throughout the contest, showing that the foundations Howe built during his time at the club have not disappeared simply because he is no longer on the touchline.
In fact, there was a strong argument that Newcastle looked like the more complete side for much of the afternoon. Their midfield, in particular, stood out, with the Magpies displaying greater physicality, energy and balance than their hosts.
That was especially significant given that Tottenham had the £100 million Sandro Tonali operating in the middle of their own midfield.
Why Newcastle were right to sell Sandro Tonali
There is little point pretending Tonali was anything other than a hugely important player during his time at Newcastle.
The Italian midfielder quickly became a fan favourite after arriving from AC Milan, and his combination of technical quality, aggression and intelligence made him one of the most exciting players in the squad. He played an important role as Newcastle secured Champions League qualification and later helped the club lift the Carabao Cup in 2025.
Yet when Tottenham arrived with a nine-figure offer, Newcastle had a decision to make.
Ultimately, selling Tonali for around £100m was difficult to reject, particularly when considering the player’s inconsistent performances during his final period on Tyneside.
Journalist Sam Dean recently suggested that Tonali was “nowhere near what you would expect for £100m”, and that assessment may have been harsh, but it does highlight the enormous expectations attached to such a price tag.
At his best, Tonali is capable of producing performances that combine elegance with remarkable physical intensity. He can dictate play, carry the ball forward, win challenges and cover enormous amounts of ground. That combination is extremely difficult to find in one midfielder.
However, the Italian was not consistently operating at that level during his final season in black and white. His performances became less fluent, and Newcastle were increasingly left wondering whether they were seeing the very best version of the midfielder.
For that reason, the decision to cash in while his market value was enormous was arguably the correct one.
The problem for Newcastle was not necessarily selling Tonali. The bigger issue was what happened afterwards.
The club endured several transfer disappointments, while the eventual departure of Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal only made the midfield situation more complicated. Those developments made Tonali’s exit look worse than it perhaps actually was.
Now, however, Newcastle appear to be correcting those mistakes.
Nico Gonzalez could be the next midfield star
The arrival of Nico Gonzalez has already provided plenty of encouragement.
The Spaniard produced an outstanding performance against Tottenham at the weekend, helping Newcastle dominate the midfield battle and leaving supporters excited about what could come next.
Gonzalez played with the confidence of a player who already understands exactly what Jaissle expects from him. His movement, passing and ability to operate between the lines gave Newcastle an extra dimension, while his willingness to work without the ball made him equally valuable defensively.
For Toon supporters, it was the kind of performance that can quickly change perceptions surrounding a new signing.
Gonzalez looks capable of becoming a central figure in Newcastle’s next chapter, but there is still another piece missing from Jaissle’s midfield puzzle.
The Magpies need another player capable of replacing the qualities Tonali brought to the team.
Newcastle targeting £60m Petar Sucic
According to Football360, Newcastle are now leading a crowded race for Inter Milan midfielder Petar Sucic, with the Croatian reportedly potentially available for approximately £60m.
The Magpies have already made an official enquiry and are understood to have opened discussions with the player’s representatives as they explore the possibility of bringing him to St. James’ Park.
Sucic is reportedly considering his options as the transfer window approaches its conclusion, but playing time will be an important factor in his decision.
That could work heavily in Newcastle’s favour.
The Croatian midfielder wants to join a project where he can play regularly and continue developing, rather than simply becoming another squad player at a major European club.
Newcastle could potentially create even more room in their midfield should Joe Willock leave, with Besiktas reportedly interested in securing his services.
If Willock departs, the pathway for Sucic to become an important member of Jaissle’s midfield would become considerably clearer.
And stylistically, it is easy to understand why Newcastle have identified the 22-year-old as a potential Tonali successor.
Sucic possesses excellent technical ability, but he is certainly not a lightweight midfielder. He is aggressive when challenging for possession, reads defensive situations intelligently and has the energy required to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
His all-action style would appear particularly well suited to Jaissle’s approach.
There is also an intriguing connection between the two players. Tonali made the move to Newcastle from AC Milan after establishing himself in Italy, while Sucic has also made his name in Milan, albeit with Inter.
Sucic already showing signs of elite potential
The Croatian has already gained valuable international experience despite his relatively young age.
Sucic started three matches for Croatia at the World Cup and has earned significant praise from talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described him as “an absolutely crucial player for Hrvatska.”
His numbers from last season also help explain Newcastle’s interest.
Although he started only four Champions League matches and 21 Serie A games, Sucic still ranked among the top 10 per cent of midfielders for pass completion and expected assists per 90 minutes.
His defensive numbers were equally encouraging, with the midfielder displaying a willingness to tackle aggressively and win possession consistently.
That combination of technical efficiency, defensive intensity and relentless energy makes him an intriguing target.
He would not necessarily be expected to become a carbon copy of Tonali. Instead, Newcastle could be looking at a player capable of developing into his own type of midfielder while filling the role and responsibilities Tonali has left behind.
For Jaissle, that could be extremely valuable.
Newcastle’s summer could still have a big ending
The Magpies’ transfer window has certainly been turbulent. There have been departures, missed opportunities and moments when their squad appeared to be heading into the new season with obvious weaknesses.
Yet the picture is beginning to look considerably more positive.
Gonzalez has already offered supporters a glimpse of what he can bring, while the potential arrival of Sucic would give Jaissle another dynamic option in the middle of the pitch.
Most importantly, Saturday’s victory over Tottenham suggested that Newcastle have retained the competitive spirit and structural foundations developed during Howe’s tenure.
The challenge now is to build on them.
Newcastle endured a disappointing 2025/26 campaign and will be desperate to return to European competition. If Jaissle can get the best out of the current squad while the club continues to strengthen intelligently, there is every reason to believe the Magpies can climb the Premier League table once again.
Selling Tonali for £100m may initially have felt like a dangerous gamble.
But if Newcastle can use that money to reshape their midfield and build a stronger, more balanced team, the decision could eventually be remembered as one of the smartest pieces of business the club has conducted during its new era.
