The exodus at Newcastle United has deepened with Sandro Tonali's £93m move to Tottenham Hotspur, following Alexander Isak's £125m transfer to Liverpool and Anthony Gordon's switch to Barcelona. The club now faces a critical juncture as captain Bruno Guimaraes contemplates his future amidst the dismantling of the midfield trio that won the club's first trophy in years.
Tonali's Departure Stings After Club's Support During Ban
Tonali's exit is particularly galling given the club's unwavering support during his 10-month ban for betting offences. The Italian midfielder, who joined from AC Milan, had his wages paid in full and received public backing from fans and management. However, his agent had long signalled that the plan was to rebuild Tonali's reputation and then cash in. "The bitterness, the infighting, the mistrust, stubbornness and eventually knock-on effect, makes Isak stand out in history but Tonali has shown a total lack of gratitude to those who rescued him," wrote John Gibson for the Evening Chronicle.
The £93m fee, plus £7m in add-ons, represents a sound return for a player who wanted out. But it leaves a gaping hole in midfield alongside Joelinton, who is now the only remaining member of the trio that overpowered Liverpool in the 2025 Carabao Cup final.
Domino Effect Threatens Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Hall
With Tonali gone, attention turns to Bruno Guimaraes, whose loyalty is being tested. "What encourages Bruno to stay? He has been let down," Gibson noted. The club's hopes now rest on Jacob Ramsey and Lewis Miley stepping up. Meanwhile, Lewis Hall's future is also uncertain, though Tino Livramento's injury—ruling him out until late August—may keep him at St James' Park for now. "Without his latest injury Tino Livramento most certainly would have been on his way to Manchester City," Gibson added.
Newcastle's shopping list remains extensive: a goalkeeper, full-back, defensive midfielder, centre-forward, and winger are all needed. The first senior signing is likely to be left winger Bazoumana Toule from Hoffenheim for £42m, raising questions about Harvey Barnes' future.
World Cup Glimmers: Wissa and Elanga Show Promise
Amid the gloom, there are small positives from the World Cup. Yoanne Wissa, who struggled since joining from Brentford, scored three goals for Congo DR, helping them reach the knockout stages for the first time. Anthony Elanga, similarly underwhelming since leaving Nottingham Forest, netted two goals for Sweden, making him their joint top scorer alongside Isak and Viktor Gyokeres. "Both have suddenly got themselves amongst the goals for their country and, brother, do we hope it's catching," Gibson wrote.
Woltemade at a Crossroads After World Cup Heartbreak
Record signing Nick Woltemade, however, endured a nightmare World Cup. Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann criticised Newcastle for his lack of game time, yet Woltemade played just two minutes in the knockout stage against Paraguay. He then missed a penalty in the shootout, as Germany were eliminated. "Right now he must feel he has been run over and flattened by a giant ten ton truck," Gibson observed. "His character is going to be severely tested… he is unquestionably at a crossroads."
