£100m midfielder draws Liverpool interest

February 10, 2026 Oliver Obel

Newcastle United expect interest in Sandro Tonali to intensify once the season ends, with Liverpool now among the clubs tracking the midfielder’s situation ahead of the summer transfer window.

Although Newcastle continue to view the Italy international as a core figure under Eddie Howe, there is an acceptance internally that high-profile midfielders rarely escape market attention, particularly as rival clubs begin planning for the next campaign.

Liverpool make early enquiries

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have made initial contact with Tonali’s representatives as part of broader squad planning. Any move, however, would be complex. Newcastle are not actively seeking a sale and would only consider negotiations if their valuation and long-term sporting strategy were fully safeguarded.

The Merseyside club’s interest comes after a deliberately restrained January window. Liverpool’s only confirmed business was the signing of Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, who will arrive in the summer.

Injuries test Slot’s squad depth

Arne Slot has had to navigate recent injury issues, with Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez all missing time. Alexander Isak also remains sidelined after suffering a serious leg injury earlier in the season, adding further strain to squad depth during a demanding period.

While Liverpool have not indicated any immediate transfer urgency, their monitoring of Tonali reflects longer-term planning rather than short-term necessity.

Newcastle valuation set high

Journalist Mike McGrath has reported that Newcastle would likely demand around £100 million to consider a summer departure. The figure reflects Tonali’s importance to the team, his age profile, and the limited availability of midfielders with similar technical and physical qualities.

Several Premier League clubs are understood to be keeping close watch on developments, increasing the likelihood that Tonali’s future becomes a major talking point once the season concludes.

Agent urges patience

Tonali’s agent has acknowledged the speculation but stressed that no decisions will be made before the campaign ends.

“Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League. These transfer discussions will take place later. We'll see how the season ends and then we'll decide what to do. There's no preference at the moment. It's still early. What we're saying today won't apply tomorrow. Newcastle couldn't let him go now, and there's no point in moving, especially since Sandro is very attached to the club. We'll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer.”

For now, Newcastle remain firmly in control. But if circumstances change, any eventual sale would almost certainly come at a premium one that could play a significant role in shaping the club’s future recruitment plans.

Sources: TEAMtalk, reporting by Mike McGrath