UMVA has learned that Newcastle United are already on the hunt for potential midfield replacements, with one name emerging as a top target: Aleksandar Stankovic, the young Serbian midfielder who has been making waves at Club Brugge.
Stankovic's impressive performances have caught the attention of several top clubs, and Newcastle are reportedly interested in testing the waters, despite the fact that he is expected to return to Inter Milan due to a buy-back clause. This move makes sense, given the uncertainty surrounding Sandro Tonali's future at Newcastle, with Manchester United and Arsenal also linked to the Italian midfielder.
At just 20 years old, Stankovic has already built a strong reputation as a defensive midfielder who can also play at centre-back when needed, making him an attractive target for Newcastle. As the son of former Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic, he is starting to forge his own path in the football world, having become a regular in Belgium and broken into the Serbia senior national team.
However, the situation is complicated by the buy-back clause in Stankovic's contract, which gives Inter Milan control over his next move. The Italian club can re-sign him for around €23 million in 2026 and €25 million in 2027, and are expected to activate this clause before deciding whether to keep him or sell him on for a profit. Newcastle will face competition from other top clubs, including Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, who are also watching Stankovic's progress closely.
For Newcastle, signing Stankovic could be a shrewd move, allowing them to invest in a younger midfielder with huge potential rather than spending big money on a ready-made star. This approach could pay off, especially if Tonali's departure brings in a significant transfer fee, giving Newcastle the resources to pursue exciting young talents like Stankovic.
As the summer transfer window heats up, Newcastle's interest in Stankovic is likely to be just the beginning of a thrilling saga, with several top clubs vying for his signature. With his stock rising rapidly, Stankovic is poised to become one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Europe, and Newcastle will need to act quickly if they want to secure his services.
