How good Newcastle’s chances of signing Manuel Locatelli in January are
Newcastle are continuously looking to bolster their midfield even after a sensational 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on 5 October.
The heart of Eddie Howe‘s system, Bruno Guimaraes shone for Newcastle against Nottingham Forest as the midfield dominated proceedings.
Alongside Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, the Brazilian has been part of arguably one of the best midfield trio’s in the league.
Sources told Football Insider on 29 September that Guimaraes wants to sign a new contract to stay with Newcastle as the club look to strengthen the position moving forward.
Manuel Locatelli is one of the players on the Magpies radar who would make an excellent addition to support the sensational trifecta.
Manuel Locatelli to turn down Newcastle’s advances to prioritise World Cup
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Toon are monitoring the Italian’s ongoing situation at Juventus over a possible move.
Sources told Football Insider back in August 2024 that Locatelli could have moved to Tottenham in a transfer worth around £20million.
One season later, and clearly still of interest from the Premier League elite, the number five’s inspired form for La Vecchia Signora will undoubtedly fetch a higher price now.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “It’s a difficult deal to do. He’s club captain at Juventus.
“Juventus have had a good start to the season as well, so they won’t want to lose one of their key players midway through the season.
“Juventus are still in the Champions League as well, so they won’t want to weaken their squad, especially if they reach the latter stages of Europe’s premier competition.
“Locatelli is a top player, he’s regular in the Italy international team as well. Would he have wanted to leave midway through the season, especially with a potential World Cup in mind with Italy next summer?
“I have my doubts over that as well, but I just think Juventus won’t want to lose such a key player midway through the season.
“No surprise that clubs are looking at him. There’s been talk of interest, as you said, from Newcastle, Chelsea and Bayern Leverkusen. That’s because he’s a top player, very solid defensive-midfielder.
“I think Newcastle, although they’ve got a very good strong starting midfield, he is probably cover where they’re lacking a bit and maybe that’s why they’re being linked with Locatelli as well.
“But I don’t imagine Juventus would be encouraging any offers for Locatelli in the January window and they’ll be hoping to keep hold of their club captain.”
Sandro Tonali could prove pivotal in bringing Locatelli to Newcastle in near future
Tonali is quickly becoming a Newcastle legend after another marauding performance against the Garibaldi, highlighting his importance to Howe.
In his third season with the Magpies, the 25-year-old is thriving and demonstrating how Italians can excel when departing from the Serie A for the Premier League.
The number eight could be crucial in potentially persuading Locatelli of coming to St James’ Park after the culmination of the 2026 World Cup.
His fellow compatriot may have his eyes opened to the possibility of playing in the English top-flight after a conversation with Tonali, yet more assurances will need to be made by the club over playing time in order to give up a starting role at Juventus.