(Credit: Imago)

James Murray

Wed 25 March 2026 17:30, UK

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Sandro Tonali’s agent is pushing for his client to leave Newcastle United in the summer transfer window. 

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider Tonali’s potential exit would likely see Bruno Guimaraes stay at St James’ Park.

The midfield duo have both been linked with moves away from Newcastle recently, with Eddie Howe’s side set to miss out on European football as things stand. 

The Magpies currently sit 12th in the Premier League table, while they were knocked out of the Champions League in the last 16 by Barcelona.

Newcastle are keen to strengthen in the summer, but it could prove to be another transfer window where they are battling to keep hold of key players. 

Why Man United are unlikely to sign Bruno Guimaraes

Tonali has been linked with Manchester United, with Arsenal also believed to hold an interest in the 25-year-old. 

Meanwhile, it has been reported Guimaraes’s camp have held talks with Man United around a £69million move, but Newcastle have dismissed the rumours around their captain’s future. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed the reports around Guimaraes potentially heading to Old Trafford.

“I think the story is nonsense,” said Borson.

“He’s 29 in November. I just don’t believe that story at all. There’s nothing more to say. I just don’t think 29-year-old players are going to move for those sorts of fees very often anymore.

“It’s just not the way the world works these days. Everybody’s focused on almost a 26-year-old limit for that sort of money. In any event, Newcastle can’t sell everybody.” 

Why Sandro Tonali is in ‘sweet spot’ for Newcastle exit

Borson insisted Tonali is more likely to leave Newcastle than Guimaraes this summer.

“Sadly, I think for Newcastle they will have a few players who want to exit in the summer,” said Borson.

“Tonali’s agent is clearly pushing him everywhere and very vocally doing so. You would have to think that he’s probably going to go. He’s a bit younger. 

“He’s 26 in May, so that puts him in a kind of sweet spot. A little bit at the older side probably, but in the sort of sweet spot. I don’t think Newcastle want to sell him, but it looks like he wants to move, or it certainly looks like his agent wants him to move.

“If he goes, I don’t think Guimaraes is going anywhere, and certainly not as a 29-year-old. There is just not going to be buyers for 29-year-old players for £70m.”