Published Jul 8, 2026, 7:10 PM GMT+1

Ethan is a feature and opinion journalist at Football FanCast.

He studied Football Journalism at the University of Derby, undertaking roles such as media assistant for Non-League side Mickleover Sports and EFL reporter for VAVEL.

Upon graduating in 2023, Ethan spent six months at GRV Media as a Premier League journalist, before joining FootballFanCast in February 2024.

Ethan is an avid Nottingham Forest supporter and season ticket holder, who also holds a keen interest in Formula One.

He covers a host of sides from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, to Leeds and clubs across the Midlands such as Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. He particularly enjoys producing analytical content.

After a long debacle last summer, Alexander Isak left in a staggering £125m deal to join Liverpool, but such a scenario has once again been apparent this window.

Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali completed his £100m transfer to join Tottenham Hotspur - much to the dismay of the majority of supporters at St James’ Park.

However, it’s hardly a surprise at this point, as the Magpies are unable to spend such funds in the transfer market, whilst having to balance the books to avoid any punishment.

Eddie Howe and the recruitment team now have a mighty task ahead of them this summer, with a real focus currently being directed towards the club’s midfield department.

Newcastle lead the race to sign £100m star this summer

Efforts have already ramped up in Newcastle as of late, subsequently resulting in a move for Johan Manzambi becoming a distinct possibility this summer.

It’s been reported in recent days that talks have already been held between the Magpies and Freiburg over the possibility of a deal for the 20-year-old midfielder.

A fee in the region of £51m has been mooted for the Swiss international, who’s also said to be keen on the possibility of completing a move to the Premier League.

However, Manzambi isn’t the only option being pursued by Howe and the recruitment team, as Borussia Dortmund star Felix Nmecha has once again appeared on their shortlist.

According to BILD via Sport Witness, Newcastle are at the front of the queue for the German international and are battling Manchester United for his services.

The report also states the Bundesliga outfit are reluctant to offload the 25-year-old, who registered a goal and an assist in his four matches for his country at the World Cup.

Any deal for Howe’s side could cost a small fortune though, as the German outfit are currently demanding at least €120m (£100m) to sell their main midfield operator.

Why Nmecha would be the perfect Tonali replacement for Newcastle

Replacing a player of Tonali’s quality will no doubt be a tricky task for Newcastle this summer, especially considering the impact he had on the side throughout 2025/26.

He featured in all but three top-flight outings and was arguably the Magpies’ most influential player with and without the ball at his feet at St James’ Park.

The Italian registered the second most chances created of any player in the senior ranks, whilst making the most interceptions of any player on Tyneside.

His subsequent departure from Howe’s side may be a bitter blow, but it’s the latest example of the phenomenal business conducted by the hierarchy in the transfer market.

However, it’s pivotal that the board identify and pursue the right player to replace Tonali - with a move for Nmecha undoubtedly ticking all of the boxes.

Whilst he may cost around the £100m mark this summer, a move for the German international could see Howe’s side land a player who’s a level above the recently departed star.

Nmecha managed to complete more successful dribbles per 90 than Tonali, with his tally of 1.3 placing him in the top 10% of all midfielders in Europe’s top-five leagues.

His higher cross completion rate and higher tally of chances created per 90 further demonstrate his dominance with the ball - leading to former national team boss Julian Nagelsmann dubbing him “exceptional.”

Even without the ball, the 25-year-old managed to get the better of the recently departed Magpies star - subsequently winning more of the ground and aerial duels he entered.

Nmecha also managed to net more goals across all competitions, arguably making him more of a box-crashing option for Howe’s side in 2026/27 and beyond.

A club-record fee would be needed to secure the Dortmund star’s signature, but it’s a deal which would see the hierarchy land a player who can star at the heart of the side for many years to come.

He’s already showcased he’s capable of outperforming the Italian in various key areas - which could make him the perfect player to fill the void he’s vacated.