Newcastle’s star recruit this summer, Sandro Tonali (24) arrived at the Magpies for a check for 64 million euros. Rather interesting when he played at the start of the season (12 matches, 1 goal), the Italian midfielder quickly became disillusioned. Pinned in a sports betting story, he was suspended for ten months and will not be able to return to the grounds until the end of August.
A long sanction which penalized Newcastle all season. Deprived of its main recruit, Eddie Howe’s team suffered and this was clearly not appreciated internally. Asked by The Telegrapha prominent Newcastle member whose identity has not been revealed did not mince his words on the Italian’s long absence: “losing Sandro ruined our season.” Seventh in the Premier League, Newcastle has a chance of playing in the Europa Conference League next year, but finished far from the qualifying places in the Champions League.
