Could Newcastle be set for a midfield overhaul at St. James' Park this summer?

While Newcastle might have secured a rollercoaster 3-1 victory away at Aston Villa on Saturday evening as they extended on their FA Cup adventure, Eddie Howe’s men have a major battle on their hands in the race to book another essential European finish this season.

With continued speculation over Howe’s future at St. James’ Park, it has also been suggested that Newcastle are set for a hectic summer behind the scenes this summer.

Alongside reports that the former Bournemouth boss is already eyeing another striking option when the window reopens, it appears the the Magpies’ midfield could be set for a potential overhaul.

While Italian ace Sandro Tonali might have stolen all of the headlines at Villa Park on Saturday as the ex-AC Milan star spearhead Newcastle’s shock FA Cup come back, there has been plenty of speculation that their midfield talisman could be weighing up a move away from Tyneside.

Speculation over Tonali intensifies

Hit with an infamous 10-month ban after breaching betting regulations immediately after arriving at St. James’ Park, Tonali endured a public nightmare after initially arriving on Tyneside.

However, continuing to receive a string of plaudits over the past 12 months and with his stock at a red-hot high, the former AC Milan starlet has been Newcastle’s standout performer this season.

Spearheading Newcastle’s remarkable FA Cup comeback away at Aston Villa on Saturday evening, Tonali has only further underlined his status as one of the Premier League’s hottest midfield superstars.

Becoming a key figure in Howe’s midfield, the Italian international has featured in all 26 of the Magpies’ Premier League appearances this year and it is no secret that a string of European heavyweights are keeping a close eye on the 25-year-old.

Despite only recently putting pen to paper on a new deal at St. James’ Park, Tonali has reportedly made it clear that his sole focus is on playing Champions League football next season.

Linked with what would have been a blockbuster late switch to Arsenal last month, it has also been suggested that fellow Premier League giants Liverpool have identified Newcastle’s midfield ace as their key summer target.

Although the Magpies might have reportedly placed a £100million price tag on the 30-cap international, a host of clubs from across the continent are monitoring Tonali’s situation closely.

Alongside continued speculation over Tonali’s long-term future at St. James’ Park, Howe’s midfield have also been hit with another brutal midfield injury blow.

With Brazilian star Joelinton missing each of Newcastle’s last five appearances with a recent groin issue, Howe’s side also announced on Saturday that influential skipper Bruno Guimaraes is set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury.

Sandro Tonali on #MUFC shortlist ahead of their midfield rebuild in the summer. Newcastle midfielder among those they are looking at 🇮🇹🔴https://t.co/DWRdKU10du
— Mike McGrath (@mcgrathmike) February 8, 2026

Could Anderson be set for a speedy St. James’ Park return?

While Nottingham Forest might find themselves at the heart of a Premier League relegation scrap and dealing with more turmoil behind the scenes at the City Ground, their midfield talisman has enjoyed a breakout campaign.

Although Elliot Anderson might have essentially been pushed out of his boyhood club in the summer of 2024 as Forest agreed a deal worth in the region of £35million, the 23-year-old has relished life in Nottingham.

Appearing to be sat in pole position to start alongside Arsenal ace Declan Rice at the heart of Thomas Tuchel’s midfield at this summer’s World Cup, Anderson has also been heavily linked with a big-money move to Manchester United.

Widely regarded as England’s hottest young midfield starlet alongside Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Newcastle could feel that they hold a huge emotional advantage when it comes to Anderson’s decision at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

Despite facing what will certainly be an almighty tussle in the race to snap up their former academy graduate, fans around St. James’ Park would certainly welcome back the six-cap international with open arms.