A report has claimed that Sandro Tonali is looking for a way out of Newcastle United because he does not feel a key part of their plans, and a return to AC Milan has been mentioned.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that ‘something has broken in Newcastle because Tonali ‘now feels like he is passing through’ at the club despite signing a contract until 2028 last summer. Since he returned from his ban he is playing a supporting role, which is not enough for him.
The report mentions how ‘a return to his beloved Milan’ has been spoken about, something which in turn has excited the fan base. Having seen his performances since coming back with the Italian national team, it is clear that the break has not affected him too badly.
However, under Eddie Howe he has made just 13 appearances in the Premier League with only seven starts and 650 minutes. Moreover, there is a worry that Newcastle might be about to see a ‘downsizing’ in their project under owners PIF, without European football this season.
The idea of an exit in January for Tonali is yet to be verified, given that in the summer of 2023 Newcastle budgeted an expense of around €60m to land him, plus €10m in bonuses. It would have to be a loan in the winter therefore, something the Magpies might not be keen on.
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In addition to that, the midfielder’s salary can hit €9m net per season including bonuses, a figure that is off the radar of Italian clubs and even more so without the Growth Decree tax advantages. The news has ‘intrigued’ Milan, but also Inter and Juventus, nonetheless.
The economic obstacle, however, applies to any Serie A side and so we cannot ignore alternative paths. Other Premier League sides may try, while Bayern Munich and PSG are always attentive to top players.