Tonali to United, Gordon to Liverpool as Newcastle Prepare Summer Fire Sale

Newcastle's summer of discontent could prove far more chaotic than last year's trials. Having endured a grim 2024 window dominated by the prolonged Alexander Isak saga and a battering from the Big Six, the Magpies now face the prospect of dismantling their squad to comply with financial regulations.

Without European football to bolster coffers and with the spectre of potential rule breaches looming, Newcastle have signalled they are ready to do business. According to The Telegraph, the club are prepared to offload significant assets, with Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento topping the departure list. The trio could collectively fetch around £260m.

While Newcastle insist lessons have been learned from the Isak debacle, they should brace themselves for a determined assault on their squad from rival clubs. Six players in particular are attracting serious interest: Tonali, Gordon, Livramento, Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Hall and Nick Woltemade.

Tonali's Manchester United Move

Tonali appears most likely to agitate for a switch, his agent having made considerable noise in recent months. United view him as a prime candidate to replace Casemiro, with INEOS identifying him as a top priority. His £100m valuation is considerably more defensible than Newcastle's asking price for Gordon, though it rules out a return to Serie A. An intra-Premier League transfer remains his only realistic path out.

Gordon to Liverpool

Liverpool have reignited their pursuit of Gordon following Mohamed Salah's confirmed departure. The Reds are hunting two wingers from a shortlist of seven targets, and Gordon fits the bill—a direct, pacy operator they've desperately lacked since Luis Diaz departed.

Newcastle's £100m asking price appears excessive given Gordon's form over the past two seasons, a considerable step down from his impressive debut campaign at St James' Park. If the Magpies genuinely wish to move him on, they'll need to temper their demands substantially.

Guimaraes to Arsenal

The Telegraph reported that Guimaraes is more inclined to pen fresh terms than depart, with speculation around a Manchester United switch appearing orchestrated to secure improved wages. However, should Newcastle require funds, the club captain presents an opportunity—his contract runs only until 2028, weakening their negotiating position compared to other squad members.

Arsenal, long-term admirers, could prove an alternative destination. The Gunners are keen to strengthen midfield and would have room for the Brazilian should a key player depart following Max Dowman's emergence.

Hall's Barcelona Adventure

The £35m paid for Hall to Chelsea raised eyebrows, yet he has emerged as one of Newcastle's shrewder acquisitions. Now regarded among the Premier League's elite left-backs following his recovery from injury troubles, the 21-year-old has caught Barcelona's attention after impressing in Champions League action against the Spanish outfit.

Barcelona's financial constraints limit their options despite Hall's obvious potential, though Alejandro Balde's position remains a potential upgrade point for Hansi Flick's side.

Livramento to Manchester City

Livramento stands alongside Hall as a probable England starter for this summer's World Cup, having been among few Three Lions players to emerge with credit from the 1-1 draw against Uruguay. The 23-year-old's performances have underlined his readiness for elite football.

Manchester City remain viable suitors after pursuing him last summer, and he would represent a significant upgrade on Matheus Nunes. The Telegraph suggests a £60m fee feels reasonable for a player of his calibre.

Woltemade Back to Bayern

Newcastle's decision to pinch Woltemade from Bayern last summer clearly rankled, particularly with honorary president Uli Hoeneß. The club overpaid for the forward, a decision now contributing to their financial predicament, and his form has nosedived dramatically since an encouraging campaign start.

While undeniably talented, Woltemade has proven the wrong profile to replace Isak, prompting Newcastle to seek another striker. Bayern could capitalise on Newcastle's willingness to move him on, potentially securing the German's return.