Sandro Tonali threw his support behind wantaway Newcastle United star Alexander Isak before Saturday’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
Isak isn’t playing for Newcastle against Aston Villa as he continues to try and force a move away from the club during what remains of the transfer window.
Manager Eddie Howe says the Newcastle United squad have dealt with the Isak saga well but, clearly, heading into a new season without their star striker is far from ideal.
Isak could end up staying at Newcastle, which looks a potentially awkward outcome for the Sweden star.
He clearly wants to leave and has invoked the ire of supporters at almost every turn this summer.
Still, Tonali is backing Isak.
Newcastle United stars Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton celebrate after scoring against Wolves.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Sandro Tonali delivers verdict on Alexander Isak
Isak is seemingly on strike at Newcastle and is desperate to leave the club for Liverpool.
With that in mind, the idea of ever seeing him play for the Magpies again is a strange one. He was approaching legendary status last season but has surely tarnished his legacy now.
Tonali, however, has offered the forward an olive branch. He says everyone in Newcastle still loves the striker and these things can happen in football.
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Speaking to TNT Sports, the midfielder said: “We need to work on the pitch with our teammates. We love Alex, every player, every person in Newcastle loves Alex. This is football and it is normal. We need to work and work to win this game.”
How Alexander Isak saga impacts Sandro Tonali
Tonali is another Newcastle star to have been linked away, with Juventus reportedly keen.
This summer, he’s going nowhere. However, Newcastle know big clubs want Tonali, which at least in part informs their decision over Isak’s future.
If Newcastle roll over and let a key player leave just because he kicks up a fuss, it could send the wrong message to the rest of the dressing room.
Tonali, Tino Livramento, Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon are surely players other teams are tempted by.
While there’s no suggestion that any of them would behave like Isak, they would know that copying the forward could see them afforded a big move away when offers emerge should the striker leave.