Newcastle United Poised to Acquire £25M Star Who Could Be the Next Hall

Newcastle United have hit their stride. Manager Eddie Howe has at times appeared frustrated this season, understandably so given his squad’s inconsistent form. However, recent results have reminded Tyneside of the immense quality within this team – potent in attack, smooth in midfield, and resolute at the back. Newcastle have advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-finals and sit just 5 points behind 4th-placed Nottingham Forest in the Premier League standings.

It’s remarkable that the Magpies are capable of producing such impressive football when considering the disappointing nature of the summer transfer window, where they missed out on key targets for the wing and central defense positions.

The backline in particular has been somewhat thin for Newcastle this term, with Sven Botman yet to feature as he recovers from an ACL injury and Jamal Lascelles and Emil Krafth also sidelined long-term.

Newcastle have been firing on all cylinders lately, but Howe will know that one or two new additions could really make a difference in the crucial months ahead as the business end of the season approaches.

Newcastle Eyeing January Transfer

According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle have been put on high alert after Fikayo Tomori indicated internally that he is open to departing AC Milan in 2025. The Magpies are viewed as “long-term admirers of the defender” and are reportedly the favorites to sign him over any other Premier League club.

Tomori has made 157 appearances for AC Milan, scoring 7 goals and winning the 2020/21 Serie A title. Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis has described the player as “extraordinary,” crediting him as “one of the pillars of this team.”

However, Tomori has fallen out of favor under manager Paulo Fonseca this season, making just 3 substitute appearances in Serie A since October 9th, although he has featured prominently in Milan’s Champions League campaign.

His career in Italy has stalled after departing Chelsea for Milan in June 2021 for around £30 million. Now could be the perfect time for a change of scenery, with Tomori’s blend of steely defending and slick passing making him an ideal fit for Premier League football.

What Fikayo Tomori Would Bring to Newcastle

The £71,000-per-week defender is a dependable and robust player who excels in challenges when on top form. In Milan’s 2021/22 title-winning season, he won an incredible 76% of his ground duels according to Sofascore.

Tomori is also one of the finest ball-playing defenders around, ranking in the top 7% of center-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 16% for passes attempted per 90 minutes according to FBref. His distribution skills have even led the statistical site to draw comparisons with Arsenal’s William Saliba.

But it’s the Chelsea connection that could prove most enticing for a Newcastle side already reaping the rewards of Cobham academy’s excess talent this season. Lewis Hall is thriving at St. James’ Park after rising through Chelsea’s youth ranks, and Tomori could be next to make the move, albeit under different circumstances.

Why Tomori Could Be Lewis Hall 2.0

Hall has been Newcastle’s standout youth prospect, but Tino Livramento deserves mention too. The right-back has displaced Kieran Trippier and is another Cobham graduate now plying his trade on Tyneside.

While Tomori is older than the fullbacks, his experience could make him an excellent partner for someone like Botman, who is expected to return from his lengthy absence in the coming weeks.

Chelsea’s academy is renowned, and there’s frustration in west London over the decision to let Tomori go. But if Hall’s performances this season are any indication, it may be worth the investment for Newcastle to acquire another former Blue.

All things considered, Tomori would be an excellent addition to Howe’s Newcastle system, possessing a track record of fierce defending and slick passing that suggests he would slot right into life at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle have the funds available after addressing Premier League profit and sustainability regulations over the summer. With both Lascelles and Fabian Schar out of contract at season’s end, a January move for a talent like Tomori would be the perfect way to strengthen Newcastle’s first team and build cohesion before an anticipated summer of change.