Newcastle are expected to have a busy summer in the transfer market
Newcastle United have been warned that Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton could all be ‘looking to try something else’ this summer.
The trio have formed the Magpies’ first choice midfield for the best part of the last two seasons and their performance in the Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool last season will forever be remembered as their finest display.
But with Newcastle not in European competition next season, CEO David Hopkinson has warned that one or two of United’s star players may be sold this summer, albeit on the club’s terms.
Get Chronicle Premium now for just £1 HERE – exclusive news and features, our NUFC and Academy notebooks, plus an ad-lite experience
Tonali has been linked with both Manchester club and Arsenal and if any of the three midfield stars are to leave this summer, it feels like the Italian international is the most likely to exit St James’ Park. Either way, former Newcastle star, Waddle, feels there could be a ‘decent turnover of players on Tynesisde this summer.
“Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton have all had their journey with Newcastle now and could be looking to try something else somewhere else,” Waddle told BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest World Cup odds.
“I know Tonali will not be at the World Cup and Joelinton hasn’t been picked but Guimaraes will be in the shop window this summer out in America, so I think there could be a decent turnover in players at Newcastle this summer.
“I’m sure Eddie Howe is thinking this team isn’t so bad, we’d give anybody a game on our day, but he’s probably aware they’re a bit weak in certain departments and then you’ve got players like Dan Burn getting on now in age. Fabian Schär is getting on in age now too. Kieran Trippier is obviously leaving.
“They still have Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw, who looks a decent player, but you look around the team and you can see they need about five or six new faces to make this squad anywhere near good enough for a top four push again. That’s without talking about the ones who will probably leave.”
However, one player Waddle does not expect to leave is 22-year-old forward Will Osula. The Danish youngster has had to be patient since joining the Magpies from Sheffield United two years ago but has broken into the team at the end of this season.
Osula has scored six goals in his last eight Premier League appearances and currently boasts the best goals per minute ratio in the English top flight this season. And Waddle feels the Magpies have found an answer to their goalscoring issues ahead of next season.
“William Osula has done really well since coming in,” Waddle added. “He was more or less viewed as a squad player but he’s scored a few goals and looked lively. There could be an answer for Newcastle there.”