‘Newcastle pleased with secret foreign targets after deliberate false Tonali leaks’
Newcastle United are said to be happy with their work in the transfer window as they look to keep some of their targets out of the public knowledge.
The Magpies need to bring in reinforcements this summer, as they prepare for a return to the Champions League next season.
So far, Newcastle are yet to make a first-team signing in the market, which has caused some concern among the club’s fanbase.
However, it appears those behind the scenes at St James’ Park are still pleased with the work they are doing as they work to back Eddie Howe in the market.
Newcastle United looking overseas as well as at home
A number of the club’s Premier League based targets are already well known, with Brighton attacker Joao Pedro one who has been linked with Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga is another target for Eddie Howe and his side as they look to boost their attack.
However, according to an update from The Telegraph, the Magpies are internally “satisfied” that the identity of targets who are currently playing abroad has largely remained a secret.
It is noted that Newcastle are pleased they have managed to keep the names of those international options under wraps, and they may have used a historic tactic to help them do that.
Back when they signed Sandro Tonali from AC Milan in 2023, the club reportedly leaked the names of alternative options on purpose, so as to distract from their pursuit of the midfielder.
That proved successful, and the Italy international went on to be a key figure in the club’s success this season.
Even so, this update states that one international target Newcastle are looking at, is in demand Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande, with the club likely to be at the table to sign him after scouting him on multiple occasions.
Eddie Howe will be pleased with secrecy but slow start may concern
Football Insider Verdict
In the lead up to the summer, Howe has stressed the need for new signings at St James’ Park ahead of the new campaign.
The 2025/26 season will be an important one for Newcastle, as they look to cement themselves as a club who can consistently challenge for trophies and European qualification.
They are going to need new signings that bring much more depth to the squad in order to do that, and this update suggests they have plenty of irons in the fire.
As a result, there ought to be confidence at Newcastle that they can get the deals done that they need to, in order to enjoy more success going forward.
Indeed, with how good Tonali has been for them since joining, there ought to be confidence about using this sort of approach when working in the international window again.
With all that in mind, there is still cause for those connected with Newcastle to be excited about what is to come in spite of this relatively quiet start to the window.