Newcastle United coach Eddie Howe vehemently denies that Sandro Tonali wants a move away.
The Magpies coach spoke ahead of his team’s Premier League match against Leiecester City, via FCInterNews. He said that the links with Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Juventus for the Italian international make him “laugh.”
Recently, the rumours have swirled that midfielder Tonali wants a return to Serie A.
Tonali joined Newcastle United from AC Milan during the summer of 2023.
Things have not exactly gone according to plan for the 24-year-old, however.
On the pitch, Tonali has largely given Newcastle the kinds of performances that they expected when they signed him.
However, Tonali was on the sidelines for nearly a year due to a ban. This was the result of breaches of gambling regulations on the part of the former Rossoneri and Brescia midfielder’s part.
But Tonali is back. He has been starting regularly for Newcastle since the return from his ban.
Newcastle Coach Eddie Howe Vehemently Denies Sandro Tonali Exit Rumours
Despite being back in action and starting for Newcastle, there were recent reports that the 24-year-old is not happy with his current situation.
A report from Italy claimed that Tonali does not want to play in the Premier League any more. Rather, he is keen on moving back to a team in Serie A.
Of course, Tonali’s former team Milan – where he was captain – were very much at the centre of the rumours.
However, it’s not just the Rossoneri. Reportedly, the likes of Inter and Juventus have also kept an eye on Tonali’s situtation.
But Tonali’s coach at Newcastle is pouring a lot of cold water on these rumours.
“Sandro is a vital part of what we’re doing,” he said.
“Our investment in him is long term. I’ve been really pleased with him personally. We’ve built up a strong relationship.
“He’s improving in all aspects of the play,” Howe added. “Naturally through the games that he’s playing.”
“The ban was difficult because he’s only training and he’s not learning from the game.
“The games are the biggest teacher I think, so I think now he’s in a position where he’s getting both. I think we’re seeing an improvement in all aspects of his game.”