Why Newcastle want to sign £43m star after Toure

Newcastle United have pressed the reset button this summer, with Anthony Gordon and now Sandro Tonali leaving the club.

Last season, Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League, and neither supposed superstar hit the desired heights. Losing them is undoubtedly rueful, but given that the Magpies are banking around £169m in total, it’s hard to argue that PIF have not pulled off some fantastic business.

Eddie Howe is at his lowest ebb, but how many times have we seen this manager dig in and showcase his attritional value? Overcoming obstacles is Howe’s forte, and PIF agree that he is the man to lead the club back up to former ground, where they won a title and competed in the Champions League (twice).

If Newcastle don’t sign the right players over the next two months, though, we may be in for a repeat of the 2024/25 season.

Top midfield target wants to join Newcastle

Tonali’s move to Tottenham has not yet been finalised, but there is every expectation that the Italian midfielder will move to the capital in a deal rising to £100m.

That’s some figure, especially when considering that Tonali did not sustain his highest level last season.

Now, Newcastle need to find a way to combat the expected sale of their big-money signing from AC Milan – all the while continuing to fend off snapping jaws hungering for Bruno Guimaraes’ signature.

As per iNews, Newcastle are interested in signing Lamine Camara this summer, and may well have been bolstered by the revelation that the Monaco midfielder is keen on moving to St. James’ Park.

While immediate focus is on Hoffenheim winger Bazamanou Toure, who could join this summer after a £40m fee was agreed between the two clubs, Newcastle technical director Ross Wilson must now demonstrate his juggling powers in the transfer market.

Monaco’s €50m (£43m) asking price shouldn’t prove prohibitive; it is a fair valuation for a 22-year-old with the world at their feet. Aston Villa have also been credited with an interest this summer, though, and the Toon won’t want to be hijacked once again. They need to get it done quickly.

Why Camara would be Newcastle’s star midfield signing

Camara is not the only midfielder Newcastle are after as they look to replace Tonali.

The 26-year-old is bound for Tottenham, but Howe is eager to raid one of Spurs’ lockers in return, setting his sights on 20-year-old midfielder Archie Gray.

Camara is far more secure in his presence as a focal central presence. He is strong and confident and clean on the ball. That’s not to say that Gray does not carry such attributes within his own skillset, but the Spurs star hasn’t produced the consistency yet that Newcastle might need to add from the get-go, now that Tonali is headed off for pastures new.

Camara trumps his positional rival across almost every key area. Given that Spurs would demand quite the pretty penny for Gray’s signature besides – he has been valued at £70m in 2026 – there’s surely only one route to go down here.

Gray is talented, but is he the full package? Hooked after a sorry first start under Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs losing 1-0 to Sunderland, the English prospect lacked physicality and accuracy in the duel.

Described as a “complete midfielder” who every big team should have their eye on this summer by Como scout and analyst Ben Mattinson, Camara’s blend of attack-centric quality and a combative off-the-ball approach surely puts him in good stead to succeed Tonali and help Newcastle back to the right end of the Premier League table.

Of course, Camara isn’t the only talented midfielder on the market. Newcastle want their man, but they would hope to have learned from previous mistakes, and they have kept their options open…