Former Italy striker Paolo Di Canio believes Sandro Tonali could replace Sean Longstaff in Newcastle’s starting XI and sees Federico Chiesa joining his Italy teammate at St. James’ Park.
Tonali is undergoing his medical with the Magpies as we write. This means that Milan and Newcastle have agreed on the midfielder’s transfer fee. Multiple sources in Italy claim the Premier League side will pay €70m plus add-ons while Tonali will earn €8m plus €2m add-ons.
Former Serie A and Premier League star Paolo Di Canio discussed the potential impact of Tonali in the Premier League.
“I hope Tonali explodes soon, but he will find a physical football, with more pace. Potentially he will replace [Sean] Longstaff,” Di Canio told Sky Sport Italia on Friday afternoon.
“Tonali is accustomed to paying in a 4-2-3-1 system and will need to adapt [to 4-3-3] and understand. Newcastle have a clear view. They have signed an established player who has already won the Serie A. He is already a leader, he has played in the Champions League and Newcastle have the ambition to play at these levels for a long time.
“He won’t be a regular starter, there will be rotations and we can already predict it,” added Di Canio.
“Perhaps, he will become the captain and the leader in one year, but initially he will be one of the four-five midfielders that will rotate because the Premier League is very demanding and Newcastle will play in the most important competition in Europe.”
There are reports that Newcastle have also set their sights on Theo Hernandez and Federico Chiesa who has other admirers in the Premier League, including Liverpool and Aston Villa.
“I see Chiesa in Newcastle’s from three, provided that he’s the one we saw at the Euros,” said Di Canio.
“He is a devastating player on the wing, especially on counter-attacks. I imagine Chiesa on the left and he could be devastating with Isak up front.”
Juventus have reportedly refused to extend Chiesa’s contract following the winger’s request to get a new €8m-a-year deal. The Old Lady’s asking price for the Italy international is still uncertain but is not expected to exceed €60m.