This summer, Newcastle made the very big move Sandro Tonali. A true strong man for AC Milan and Italy, the 23-year-old midfielder surprised everyone by leaving the Rossonneri for the Premier League and Newcastle. The Magpies, qualified for the Champions League and looking to greatly strengthen themselves, spent more than 70 million euros to recruit him. A huge investment commensurate with the talent of the player who was to bring this whole season into the midfield alongside Bruno Guimaraes. And yet, everything changed a few days ago after an incredible story.
The Italian international is, in fact, involved in an illicit sports betting affair. He was accused of having bet on AC Milan matches, a practice formally prohibited by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). And this Thursday, the sanction fell. Tonali received a ten-month suspension from the transalpine federation. And if, for the moment, he will no longer play with Italy, his sanction must now be transmitted by the general sports prosecutor’s office of CONI (Italian Olympic Committee, editor’s note) to UEFA. After which, he will be suspended internationally and therefore with Newcastle and will not play again for the season. Meanwhile, the English club is already thinking about what comes next and has started planning for the post-Tonali era.
Several names to replace it
According to information from Telegraph, Newcastle are currently discussing with lawyers to reduce Sandro Tonali’s salary after his suspension. The 23-year-old midfielder, who has played 12 matches this season (1 goal), is one of the club’s highest earners currently. A clause could well appear in the player’s contract who, according to the English media, could also agree to lower his salary during his suspension. In the meantime, unlike Ivan Toney, Tonali will be able to continue training with Newcastle and playing matches behind closed doors.
And if the club’s lawyers are therefore focusing on the legal aspect of this affair, the management is already thinking about the athlete and the tracks to replace the sport this winter. According to information from Sun, the Magpies could draw… in Saudi Arabia near Al-Hilal to bring back Ruben Neves. The Portuguese midfielder played for Wolverhampton last season before leaving for 64 million euros to Al-Hilal. Eddie Howe would like to try a loan to get the player back. The loan of Kalvin Phillips, who does not play at all at Manchester City, is also under study while the Spanish media Sport reveals that it is Scott McTominay who is of great interest to the English coach. The Scottish international is clearly very interested in leaving this winter. Regardless, Newcastle wasted no time.
