Newcastle United want more than just Sandro Tonali to commit his long-term future to the club.
Sven Botman and Tino Livramento are Newcastle United’s next contract priorities now Sandro Tonali’s future has been resolved.
Fears emerged in recent weeks over the Italian’s current deal - initially thought to run until 2028. Toon supporters are still reeling from the Alexander Isak saga that threatened to derail the summer transfer window.
The thought of Tonali also leaving - amplified by comments made on international duty - fuelled concern around Tyneside. That was until the Daily Mail revealed the 25-year-old signed a “secret” contract two years ago.
Sandro Tonali’s secret contract revealed
As per the Daily Mail, Tonali penned an extension during his infamous gambling ban. The Toon ace was hit with a 10-month suspension for breaching betting regulations just 12 games into his Toon career.
Newcastle stuck by Tonali and showed their commitment to him by offering him fresh terms until 2029. It is understood that the Magpies also have the option of extending for another year - effectively keeping him tied down until 2030.
Understandably, fans have rejoiced at the news on social media. Tonali has become the fulcrum of Newcastle’s midfield since Eddie Howe shifted him to a deeper midfield role last December.
Newcastle United contract priority
The focus now shifts to Botman and Livramento - who are also entering precarious territory. Ross Wilson - the club’s new sporting director - is prioritising bumper new deals for the pair to keep their futures at St James’ Park.
Botman has just over 18 months remaining on his current deal - the same agreement signed when he arrived from Lille in 2022. As for Livramento, he was thought to be in the same boat as Tonali until news broke about his hidden extension.
Now an England international, the versatile defender attracted interest from Manchester City over the summer. Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton also have two-and-a-half years left on their deals.
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Tino Livramento talks in place
According to the i, preliminary talks with Livramento’s camp have already taken place. He is currently sidelined with a knee injury and could return next month.
Other areas of concern are Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier. Both players have been stalwarts for Newcastle but are entering the twilight of their careers, with their contracts expiring next summer.
It was feared that Nick Pope could also leave for nothing next summer but he, too, confirmed a secret extension until 2027. Careful management of contracts has been a high priority for the Saudi-backed ownership.
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