Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Newcastle United FC and FC Barcelona at St James' Park on March 10, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Newcastle United FC and FC Barcelona at St James' Park on March 10, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has responded to comments made by Sandro Tonali’s agent.
The Italian joined the Magpies from AC Milan for £55million in 2023 and has gone on to make over 100 appearances after bouncing back from his 10-month betting ban.
Tonali is regarded as one of the best st midfielders in the Premier League, with his performances attracting interest from several big-name clubs.
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Sandro Tonali’s agent fuels speculation over future
And Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, has been fuelling the speculation regarding his client’s future since being linked with a deadline day move to Arsenal in January.
After initially playing down the Arsenal links, Riso is now claiming it is ‘very likely’ that the Gunners or Manchester City will make a move in the summer for Tonali.
Tonali is under contract at St James’ Park until 2029 with the option of a further year.
Speaking to Calcio&Finanza, Riso said: “Newcastle are already a Champions League club, but now it’s said that Tonali is being targeted by top clubs, those aiming to win the Premier League, such as Arsenal or Manchester City.
“Exactly, that was the aim from the moment he went to England - to try and turn him into a star player. I think he’s the Italian player with one of the highest values in the world.”
When asked if he expects a move to Manchester City or Arsenal in the summer, Riso laughed: “I don’t know! But it’s very likely.
“Everyone is waiting for the World Cup; then a thousand scenarios will unfold, but it all kicks off after the World Cup.”
Italy are hoping to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2014 as they face Northern Ireland in their play-off semi-final. The winners of that game then face the winners of Wales v Bosnia & Herzegovina for a place at the World Cup.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe responds to Sandro Tonali reports
Reacting to Risco’s comments surrounding Tonali’s future, Howe, speaking ahead of the Champions League last 16 second-leg away to Barcelona, said: “I think the person that for me matters the most in this is Sandro.
“So, I prefer to take my leave from him. All I've ever seen from Sandro is someone who's totally committed, very much part of the team, very selfless at times.
“He's here for the team, he's not necessarily here for himself. This is the attitude I've seen from him. And of course, he had a really difficult moment when he first joined, and he showed a real strength of character to get through that.
“So, I think whenever you're in this situation, you're really led by the player. As I say, forget the noise around Sandro. He's just fully committed.
“Of course, he's been ill for the last few days, but before then, he was fully committed in trying to help us reproduce our best league form. And of course, he wants to do really well in this competition [the Champions League].”
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