Manchester United have pumped the brakes on a deal for Sandro Tonali, with Newcastle's Italian midfielder now deemed too expensive by the club's decision-makers. Manager Michael Carrick, freshly appointed as permanent boss after securing Champions League football, had personally championed the Newcastle star as his primary midfield target this summer. However, the Red Devils' hierarchy, including INEOS chief Jason Wilcox and sporting director Omar Berrada, are unconvinced the £100 million valuation represents value.
Carrick earned the permanent role after stabilising United during a turbulent season, but his transfer ambitions are not operating in a vacuum. The club's broader recruitment strategy prioritises a different signing: Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. That pursuit has taken a significant blow following reports that Anderson is in advanced negotiations with Manchester City and has already agreed personal terms in principle with the Premier League champions.
Tonali's Wages Compound Valuation Concerns
The Tonali situation reveals deeper concerns beyond Newcastle's asking price. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that United travelled to Italy recently to assess multiple targets, with Tonali high on their wishlist. Yet the consensus among the club's leadership is that the midfielder carries an inflated cost structure. Newcastle are demanding between £86 million and £100 million depending on the source, while the England-based contingent are said to be pursuing salary expectations that would strain United's wage structure significantly.
Di Marzio previously reported United were "confident" of securing Tonali for roughly €100 million, but The Chronicle revealed Newcastle will not accept less than €115 million. Combined with his substantial wage demands, the deal increasingly appears prohibitive for Carrick's summer planning. United have faced similar stand-offs before—they signed midfielder reinforcements sparingly in recent transfer windows—and the hierarchy appears determined not to repeat costly errors.
Ederson Emerges as More Realistic Target
Brighter prospects exist elsewhere in United's midfield hunt. Atalanta's Ederson has become the focus of "advanced" discussions following a verbal offer worth €45 million, positioning the Brazilian at the lower end of the Bergamo club's €45-€50 million valuation. The Serie A midfielder represents a more pragmatic investment, offering proven talent without the financial complexity surrounding Newcastle's prized asset.
Carrick's midfield overhaul remains pivotal to United's Champions League ambitions next season. With Anderson seemingly destined for Manchester's blue half and Tonali's price remaining prohibitive, the club must now accelerate progress on alternative targets or risk entering the campaign with unresolved gaps in their engine room.
