Sandro Tonali was linked with a move away from Newcastle United in January.
His first season was one he and many Newcastle United fans will want to forget. The Italian barely played for the club before his ban, despite signing for £55m that summer.
Sandro Tonali returned to Newcastle’s first-team squad at the start of the 2024/25 campaign and it looked as if he never left, immediately getting involved in an attack that led to a goal in the Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest.
This season, Tonali has completely changed the way Newcastle attack games, with the 24-year-old playing in a deeper midfield role that gives Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes much more freedom to work play into their own skillsets on and off the ball.
Jacob Murphy hailed Tonali as ‘awesome‘ in a recent interview, claiming his work as a six has ‘unlocked potential’ within the starting XI.
His form means that there have been eyes on him this season. Reports in January claimed Juventus were interested in Tonali and were willing to offer Douglas Luiz, who Newcastle were previously interested in, plus cash for him.
With his Newcastle future in the air, a new report has revealed a private conversation between himself and Magpies CEO Darren Eales regarding the transfer interest.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Sandro Tonali talks Newcastle future to club officials
Tonali will be in line to start in the Carabao Cup final, with the midfielder willing to play his part in ending Newcastle’s trophy drought which has lasted a staggering 56 years.
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In a recent interview, Tonali confessed his love for Newcastle, claiming he is devoted to repaying the club for the support they gave him throughout his ban.
According to the Chronicle, Tonali is understood to have given club officials, including CEO Eales his word that he is happy to stay at St James’ Park, despite rumours suggesting he is open to returning to his home country. Tonali still has three years left on his current deal. The report claims he is happy to at least see out his contract with the club before moving elsewhere.
While the midfielder has been playing in a more defensive-minded role this season, he has still been able to register goal contributions for the Magpies, scoring three times and bagging two assists.
Despite his exit, Tonali is still adored in Italy. The 24-year-old is likely to be called up for his National team for the upcoming international games as a reward for his fine form.
Tonali’s agents and advisors have been very vocal about her client’s future in the past. Beppe Riso shut down Tonali transfer rumours in January, but now another advisor is saying the latter.
Speaking to SportItalia, Marianna Meccacci, one of Tonali’s entourage, spoke openly about his future and a possible return to Italy.
“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.”