He can be Tonali 2.0: Newcastle make initial contact to sign £29m “beast”
Newcastle United Eye Another AC Milan Star After Stunning 2024/25 Season
Newcastle United have enjoyed a sensational 2024/25 campaign, one that will be remembered as a turning point in the club’s modern history. Under the guidance of Eddie Howe, the Magpies not only returned to the Champions League but also ended a decades-long trophy drought by lifting the Carabao Cup, defeating Liverpool in a memorable final.
A cornerstone of Newcastle’s success this season has undoubtedly been the performances of Sandro Tonali. The Italian international, signed for £55 million from AC Milan nearly two years ago, has firmly justified his price tag. Operating as a midfield general, Tonali brought composure, energy, and creativity to the center of the pitch. Over the course of the Premier League season, he featured in 36 matches and contributed directly to six goals, both scoring and assisting from deep-lying positions. His influence in the engine room was a testament to the club’s smart recruitment strategy — a true masterstroke of a signing that now appears to be a model they wish to replicate.
Newcastle Target Another Rossoneri Gem
With AC Milan enduring a turbulent and underwhelming 2024/25 season, several of their star players are being linked with moves away from the San Siro. Despite the club’s struggles — which saw them finish a dismal eighth in Serie A, their lowest placement since 2014/15 — there remains no shortage of talent in their ranks. Key players like Tijani Reijnders and Mike Maignan are already attracting interest from Premier League giants Manchester City and Chelsea, respectively.
Now, Newcastle United may look to take advantage of Milan’s misfortunes by making a move for one of their most prized assets: French left-back Theo Hernandez. According to reports from Calcio Mercato, the Magpies have already made preliminary inquiries, referred to as “initial surveys,” regarding a potential transfer for the 27-year-old defender. While these early contacts do not yet indicate a formal offer, they do signal Newcastle’s genuine interest.
The competition for Hernandez’s signature is expected to be fierce. The Frenchman has reportedly turned down a lucrative move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, and other major clubs from both England and Spain — including Atletico Madrid — are also in the frame. Al Hilal were previously close to securing Hernandez for a reported fee of £29.4 million before the deal fell through, and it’s believed that any new bid could be in a similar range.
Why Theo Hernandez Would Be a Smart Addition
Even during Milan’s disappointing campaign, Hernandez continued to demonstrate why he is considered one of Europe’s most dynamic full-backs. The French international made 49 appearances in all competitions, contributing five goals and six assists. His attacking thrust down the left flank, combined with his stamina and pace, would offer Newcastle a new dimension — particularly in transition and overlapping runs.
But Hernandez is more than just a marauding wing-back. He brings leadership qualities that are rare for players in his position. During the 2024/25 season, he captained Milan on 13 occasions, highlighting his growing maturity and importance in the dressing room. For a Newcastle side that already boasts strong characters like Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn, Hernandez would add further experience and professionalism to the group.
Given his age, form, and top-level experience with both Milan and the French national team, Hernandez represents the kind of player that can elevate Newcastle further as they look to cement themselves among Europe’s elite. Pairing him with Tonali — who has already acclimated to the Premier League and become a fan favorite — would not only strengthen the squad technically but also signal to rivals that Newcastle mean business in the transfer market.
A Busy Summer Ahead
As Newcastle prepare for another exciting Champions League campaign and aim to build on their domestic achievements, the summer transfer window promises to be crucial. The club’s owners have shown ambition and willingness to invest, and with a manager like Eddie Howe at the helm, they are now becoming a genuine force in both English and European football.
Whether or not a deal for Theo Hernandez materializes, the mere fact that Newcastle are being linked with players of his caliber speaks volumes about the club’s trajectory.