Contact made: Newcastle now looking to sign £35m star in late move, he’d be Tonali 2.0 – opinion
Newcastle United Eye Another Serie A Midfield Star After Tonali Success
Newcastle United’s modern rise has been built not only on the financial muscle injected by their ownership group but also on a transfer strategy that blends ambition with careful calculation. While other clubs have often splashed money recklessly, Newcastle’s recruitment drive since the takeover has been defined by targeted moves, patience, and the occasional bold gamble.
One of the clearest examples of that approach was the signing of Sandro Tonali in the summer of 2023. At the time, Newcastle shattered records by making him the most expensive Italian footballer in history, prising him away from AC Milan despite his status as one of Serie A’s brightest homegrown stars. The move was seen by many as a calculated risk: Tonali had already proven his quality in Italy’s top flight but still possessed significant room for growth.
The risk was magnified when Tonali received a 10-month suspension for breaching betting regulations. For many clubs, that would have been a costly setback. Yet Newcastle stood by their man, and their faith has been rewarded. Since returning, Tonali has been pivotal in Eddie Howe’s midfield, forming a formidable partnership alongside Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton. He played a defining role in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup victory – their first domestic silverware in seven decades – and is now a symbol of what can be achieved when smart scouting, trust, and ambition align.
That success has reinforced a valuable lesson for the Magpies’ hierarchy: Serie A remains an excellent hunting ground for elite players who can be convinced to cross over to the Premier League.
Another Italian Opportunity: Frattesi in the Frame
The Tyneside club have already returned to the Italian market this summer, adding defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan. The acquisition was another reminder that Newcastle are building relationships of trust in Serie A and are unafraid to invest in players who can quickly adapt to the intensity of Howe’s high-pressing system.
Now, reports from Italy suggest that Newcastle are weighing up another move – this time for Inter Milan’s energetic midfielder Davide Frattesi. According to Sport Witness, the club has made preliminary contact with Inter regarding the 25-year-old, signaling their willingness to explore the possibility of another high-profile Serie A capture.
Frattesi, who joined Inter from Sassuolo in 2023, has become a valuable squad member under new head coach Christian Chivu. However, with the likes of Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Piotr Zieliński, and Luis Henrique all vying for midfield spots, the Italian international is not guaranteed a permanent starting berth. That uncertainty, coupled with Newcastle’s keen interest, could open the door to negotiations. Inter, though, have set a firm valuation: €40 million (£35m).
Why Frattesi Fits Newcastle’s Blueprint
Statistically, Frattesi is one of Europe’s most intriguing midfielders. Last season, he registered five goals and two assists in Serie A while adding two strikes in the Champions League, including a crucial semi-final goal against Barcelona. For Italy, he already boasts 29 caps and eight goals – an exceptional return for a central midfielder.
Advanced analytics back up the eye test. According to FBref, he ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty expected goals per 90 (0.37), the 95th percentile for total shots, and the 93rd percentile for touches inside the penalty area. Simply put, Frattesi is a box-to-box midfielder with a knack for arriving in dangerous positions – a skillset that dovetails perfectly with Howe’s fast, front-foot football.
The similarities with Tonali’s transfer are striking. Tonali was not surplus to requirements at Milan but could be prised away because of the club’s financial situation. Frattesi’s scenario is slightly different – Inter are financially stable, but his lack of guaranteed starts may make him open to a new adventure, particularly with the next World Cup on the horizon.
The Challenge Ahead
Despite his appeal, there are obstacles. Newcastle have already strengthened their midfield this summer by signing Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, while also adding Anthony Elanga and Malick Thiaw in other areas. With significant money already spent, any move for Frattesi would need to be weighed carefully against the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Inter, meanwhile, are not under pressure to sell. They know Frattesi’s value and have no incentive to lower their asking price. Any deal will require Newcastle to decide whether his qualities justify the outlay at a time when financial prudence is more important than ever.
Serie A: A Trusted Market for Newcastle
Even if Frattesi does not end up on Tyneside, Newcastle’s ongoing pursuit of Serie A talent underscores the club’s long-term recruitment direction. From Tonali’s redemption arc to Thiaw’s arrival, Italian clubs have shown a willingness to do business with Newcastle when the right price is met.
For Howe and his recruitment team, the Italian market offers a blend of tactical education, physical robustness, and technical quality that fits seamlessly into the Premier League. The club’s track record so far suggests these moves are not speculative punts but calculated investments.
Conclusion
Frattesi may or may not become the next Italian to wear black and white stripes in the North East, but his profile highlights exactly what Newcastle are looking for: energetic, versatile midfielders who can contribute both domestically and on the European stage.
Tonali’s journey – from costly gamble to Carabao Cup hero – has already vindicated Newcastle’s belief in Serie A as fertile ground for recruitment. If history repeats itself, whether with Frattesi or another rising star from Italy, the Magpies’ Italian connection could once again prove to be the foundation of their future success.