Amanda Staveley oversaw some incredible transfers during her time as Newcastle United co-owner.
Having helped push the Newcastle United takeover through, her work was not finished there.
Staveley is one of the key reasons why Newcastle United are where they are today, bringing about change on Tyneside at an alarming rate.
The decision to appoint Eddie Howe as manager was perfect, while the decisions in the transfer market were almost faultless. The likes of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn have cemented themselves as Newcastle United legends since their arrivals in 2022.
Throughout her time at St James’ Park, Staveley’s biggest signing was Alexander Isak. At £63million, he was Newcastle’s most expensive signing at the time.
But while Isak cost the most money, the one signing that Staveley never expected to get over the line was Sandro Tonali.
Sandro Tonali tackles Joao Gomes during Newcastle United vs Wolves in the Premier League.
Photo by Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Amanda Staveley was shocked Newcastle United signed Sandro Tonali
During an appearance on the High Performance podcast, Staveley spoke about Newcastle United signing Tonali from AC Milan in the summer of 2023.
The Italy international cost £55million, with Staveley admitting that the club never thought they would realistically be able to bring him to the North East.
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“Like Alexander Isak, he [Tonali] had been at the top of our list for ages,” she said.
“We just thought we were never going to be able to afford him or get him. But he’s got such a talent.”
What Amanda Staveley told Sandro Tonali after his ban
Shortly after his arrival, Tonali received a 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations.
Newcastle United suddenly lost their marquee signing, while Tonali was losing a year of his career.
It was an incredibly challenging period for the 25-year-old, and now Staveley has shared what she told Tonali soon after his suspension was confirmed.
“We thought he must be terrified,” she said.
“He’s coming to a new club. The way he dealt with this issue with such humility and he worked so hard to deal with his demons and to overcome those demons.
“We knew he would become the most incredible midfielder. We also knew he was in the right club because the Newcastle fans would be so protective of him.
“I said to him, this is going to be the best thing that happens for your career. You’re going to get a year out where you’ll be able to train with the best guy in the world.”
Since returning at the beginning of last season, Tonali has developed into Newcastle’s most important player. Having started slowly in English football, he is now one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders.
Tonali was outstanding against Wolves on Saturday, as he continues to go from strength to strength. Staveley’s prediction was right, as he truly has become the most incredible midfielder.
Newcastle United are very lucky to have their midfield maestro.