Newcastle United supporters no longer need to stress over Sandro Tonali’s contract situation at Newcastle United.
Sandro Tonali reportedly signed a “secret” Newcastle United contract extension during his gambling ban.
The Italian infamously served a 10-month suspension for breaching betting regulations just 12 games into his Toon career. Fears had emerged in recent weeks over Tonali - now an indispensable player at St James’ Park - due to his contract length.
It was initially thought that the midfielder’s contract ran until 2028 - meaning he would have two years remaining at the end of the season. Newcastle fans remain scarred from the Alexander Isak saga and have urged new sporting director Ross Wilson - appointed a fortnight ago to succeed Paul Mitchell - to tie Tonali down.
However, the Daily Mail report that Tonali already penned a new deal while ruled out through suspension. The new contract was kept under wraps and signed during Dan Ashworth’s reign in the boardroom.
Sandro Tonali contract details
Details of the deal include terms until 2029 - with Newcastle having the option of an extra year. It remains unknown whether Tonali had a release clause inserted into his fresh agreement - an issue that proved controversial during the Isak fiasco.
In his time at Newcastle, the 25-year-old has developed into one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders. Eddie Howe moved Tonali to a deeper role last season, which proved the catalyst for Champions League qualification and Carabao Cup success.
Next on Newcastle’s hit list include England star Tino Livramento and club captain Bruno Guimaraes. Alongside Joelinton, they will also have two years left to run at the end of the season.
Sandro Tonali on possible Italy return
Speaking to Italian media on international duty, as quoted by Gianluca Di Marzio, Tonali created panic on Tyneside by admitting he could return home one day. On a positive note, the Toon ace insisted he has found “balance” at St James’ Park.
“You can never know what will happen, I tell everyone it’s possible,” Tonali said. “I’m not closing the door on Italy. It’s my country. Maybe not now because I’ve found my balance at Newcastle. But the league is getting better and better, the level of the teams is rising.”
Sandro Tonali idolises Gennaro Gattuso
Tonali also touched on how Gennaro Gattuso - the current Italy manager - was his boyhood hero. He added: “When I was a kid they gave me a mug with photos of Gattuso on it. I used it at breakfast every day for 4-5 years. Then one day a disaster happened… I had to glue it back together piece by piece. I still have it.”
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