Sandro Tonali will have two years left on his contract next summer - it is imperative that Newcastle United tie him down.
It was a year ago today when Sandro Tonali began repaying his £55million price tag. After 10 months out due to a gambling ban, emotion emanated from the City Ground away end as a teary-eyed Italian indulged in the Newcastle United adulation.
Tonali was back - and to coin one of football’s most tiresome cliches, he truly was like a new signing. Understandably, the former AC Milan man took a while to get fully up to speed.
Many point towards a tactical shift - which saw Tonali play deeper and Bruno Guimaraes given licence to get forward - as the watershed moment. But fast forward to the present and there is no denying his importance to the Newcastle cause.
Tonali is arguably United’s best player. He is vital to their hopes this season. Sample the concern regarding his recent shoulder injury among the Newcastle fans to learn just how much he is loved and valued at St James’ Park.
And if the top brass have learned anything from the Alexander Isak fiasco, they should look no further than their gladiatorial Italian. The Swede continues to kick up a fuss and dishonour the remaining three years on his contract.
For context, Tonali’s deal has the same length of time to run. However, due to the inactivity caused by his suspension - and ensuing support from the club and supporters - the 25-year-old may feel obliged to give back.
It has been reported that Isak’s strop began when talk of an improved contract was paused. Newcastle cannot allow the same to happen again. Tonali will have two years left at the Magpies by the end of the season - a precarious situation should a potential suitor express interest.
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Italian media have not stopped banging the drum on Tonali’s future since he ditched pasta and Moretti and Greggs and brown ale. For now, he is very much happy at Newcastle, his conduct both publicly and internally mirror that.
This article is not intended to fuel speculation or tempt another star asset to angle for an exit. Instead, this is a message to the Toon hierarchy to get their ships in order.
Nobody wants to see another saga plague a summer window like Isak and his disruptive minions. Get the chequebook for Tonali out early and ensure the prime years of his career are spent right here.
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