Frattesi’s Future: Potential January Move Amidst Limited Playing Time

omidbasir- According to Sport Witness, Newcastle United expressed interest in signing 26-year-old midfielder Davide Frattesi during the summer transfer window. However, he ultimately remained with Italian giants Inter Milan. Following a season where he has played less than 200 minutes in Serie A, reports from Tuttomercatoweb suggest that Frattesi’s path to the first team is obstructed by players like Petar Sucic and Piotr Zielinski, making a January exit appear ‘very likely.’ Although Inter rejected Newcastle’s bid in the summer, discussions could resume in 2026.

Back in August, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe acknowledged the need for an additional midfielder due to injuries affecting Joe Willock and Lewis Miley. He mentioned, “We want six [midfielders], and now we are down to four. That is an issue for us, and it is a position we are looking at.”

In a dynamic transfer window that included the Alexander Isak saga, Newcastle managed to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, but questions remain regarding whether this acquisition will fulfill Howe’s midfield requirements as the season progresses.

Howe also minimized the prospect of re-signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, who was sold last year to address Newcastle’s profit and sustainability concerns. He stated, “Sentiment never comes into it – it is always about finance. We have not had any discussions on the January window. We’re too focused on the amount of games we have.” He emphasized the necessity of long-term financial management and confirmed that large transfer fees, such as £100 million, are unlikely for the upcoming window.

Despite Frattesi’s limited playing time at Inter, where his last start was on October 4, he continues to represent the Italian national team. Recently, he participated in Italy’s 4-1 defeat to Norway during World Cup qualifying. Following the match, Frattesi reflected, “It was two games in one. In the first half, there was only one team on the pitch; in the second half, we showed that we are a bit fragile. After the first goal, we fell apart. The group stage is over, and we have to focus only on the March playoffs.”

Frattesi downplayed the significance of the loss, stating, “I wouldn’t call it humiliation. They didn’t completely dominate us. At least, that’s how it felt to me on the pitch. They proved they deserved to win the group, so calling it humiliation is an exaggeration.”

As the January transfer window approaches, it remains uncertain whether Inter Milan will entertain offers for Frattesi, whose contract extends until 2028, and if Newcastle will pursue him again. The winter window often presents challenges, with clubs typically demanding inflated prices for their players. Prior to that, Inter will face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, while Newcastle prepares to play against Marseille in France.