A member of Sandro Tonali's entourage has stated in plain terms that he will one day leave Newcastle United and return to Italy. The 24-year-old has become a key part of Eddie Howe's midfield since his debut season on Tyneside was interrupted by a 10-month betting ban. But Marianna Mecacci, a senior figure at his agency GR Sports, has made it clear that the Magpies boss should enjoy him while he can.
There were rumours that Tonali was pushed out of AC Milan when Newcastle put a £55million bid on the table in the summer of 2023. The player then said, in his first interview as a Newcastle player, that leaving the San Siro was 'very difficult'.
Tonali was a teenage star at Brescia and was widely expected to become an enduring Serie A figure when he signed for Milan at the age of 20. Although his spell with the Rossoneri was cut short, Mecacci has suggested that it may not be the end of the story.
And while she does not say that Tonali's return to Italy is imminent, the comments offer more than a hint that his Premier League switch will only be a temporary fling.
"He will return to Italy," Mecacci told Sportitalia. "When? It's hard to say. He is Italian footballing heritage, it's beautiful to see a man grow through difficulties. I started following him at Brescia.
"The operation that brought him to England was extraordinary. I realise it caused discontent. Tonali, son of Milan, faith that is there and will remain forever, is sold for a record sum. It was also a choice to try a new experience. As long as the opportunity of the Premier League exists, he will take advantage of it, but it is impossible to think that he will not return to Italian football."
Tonali has appeared in 25 of Newcastle's 27 Premier League games this season, starting 17 of them and contributing to two goals.
It is unclear whether the Magpies will look to cash in on Tonali this summer, when he will still have three years left on his contract. The Italian international has forged a strong midfield bond with Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes this campaign, but financial constraints could force Newcastle to sell if they want to splash out.
Transfer spending has been restrained in recent windows despite the strings being pulled by the super-rich Saudi PIF at St. James' Park.