Sandro Tonali and Newcastle, it’s a funny story. As soon as he arrived in the summer of 2023 for €60 million from AC Milan, the Italian midfielder won over everyone. Performing well on the pitch, he quickly found his place in Eddie Howe’s eleven. Some Magpies supporters still remember their match against PSG (4-1) at St. James’ Park in October 2023. A month later, however, it was a disaster. The player was sentenced to ten months of suspension for having participated in sports betting, a prohibited practice for a professional athlete, on matches, including some for AC Milan where he was still playing at the time.
The period was difficult for the international and for his employer. The latter could have separated from him, especially after having paid such a sum without being able to call on his talents. Instead, the Toons accepted this sanction by accompanying Tonali to better prepare for her return to competition. This came in August 2024, after missing the Euro but quickly, we felt the former Brescia less happy in England. Even if he has always played a lot (45 matches in all competitions last season, 6 goals and 3 assists), rumors of a return to Italy have started to flourish here and there.
“I don’t want to say: “I’m staying for the next ten years”»
Since then, there has often been talk of a return to Italy where Juventus dreams of him. A return to Milan is also in the back of his mind but an inaccessible price would have to be set. We are talking about €100 million for a player whose contract was extended during his suspension, going from 2028 to 2029. If he wishes, Tonali even has an option for 2030. “The contract extension took place during my suspension. I don’t understand why everyone was talking about it last week like it was recent.” he was surprised this week. “I signed because I have confidence in this team and the club has confidence in me. So we agreed to work together.»
Except that this famous extension option risks never being activated for the simple reason that the Italian is not a very fan of England. “It’s a difficult question because in football you have to think season by season. I don’t want to commit to ten years and then leave in two or three years. I just want to think about myself.” continues the person concerned who confides a certain homesickness. “Last summer was difficult for us, for Alex (Isak), but that’s football. When another team is interested in you, you have to take everything into account. “That’s why I don’t want to say, ‘I’m staying for the next ten years,’ even if I’m happy here now.” It has the merit of being clear.
