Newcastle United have included Razvan Marin as a possible replacement option for the now-banned Sandro Tonali ahead of January.
According to Fichajes, Newcastle United are set to enter the January transfer market in search of a replacement for Sandro Tonali. The Magpies are internally considering a host of options, with Romanian midfielder Razvan Marin included in that list.
Eddie Howe must dip into the transfer market again for a midfield signing. His summer acquisition of Sandro Tonali felt like a choice that would strengthen Newcastle United’s midfield for the coming few years. But off-field problems have caused a big problem for the Magpies manager.
As of Thursday, Tonali received a 10-month ban from football for his involvement in an illegal betting scandal. Fellow Italian international Nicolo Fagioli received a seven-month ban, while Nicolo Zaniolo awaits his fate in the whole controversy.
For Newcastle, the news of Tonali’s ban throws them straight back into the market for a replacement option. The media has been rife in linking the Magpies with many names, including a controversial move for Ruben Neves, the former Wolves midfielder who joined Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in the summer.
Newcastle’s Saudi connection puts question marks on the Neves deal, with many even predicting this to happen when the Portugal international moved to the Middle East. In any case, he is not the only name on their list, as links to Scott McTominay have also resurfaced, with suggestions the Magpies must pay over £40 million for the Manchester United man.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios also remains a target. But all those players, including Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips, will carry a massive price tag on their heads. Whether Newcastle are open to spending big on another midfielder remains the question, considering Tonali will return for the start of next season.
There is another name on their list and a cost-effective option in Razvan Marin. The Romanian is currently spending time on loan at Empoli from Cagliari, with the former having the option to purchase him after this temporary spell.
The 27-year-old midfielder has a similar profile to Tonali in many aspects, and Newcastle United may only have to spend €5 million to sign him, as per the report. The Magpies could also look at his experience as a player and decide on the Romanian instead of those other options mentioned.
Also Read: Three potential Sandro Tonali replacements for Newcastle United
Howe must get his call right, as Newcastle have a big season ahead of them, especially after January. The Magpies are in the hunt for a top-four place and are on course to advance from their Champions League group. Hence, the manager must decide on a player like the 27-year-old Serie A midfielder Marin or a top, well-established name like the others on their list.