Newcastle United Set to Sign Italy Midfielder Sandro Tonali from AC Milan
Newcastle United are close to signing Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali from Serie A side AC Milan, according to his agent. The 23-year-old is expected to sign a six-year contract and complete his medical in the coming days. Giuseppe Riso, Tonali’s agent, said the transfer could be worth up to 80m euros (£68.5m) including add-ons.
Background on Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali developed through the ranks at Brescia and made his professional debut for them in Serie B at 17. Brescia were promoted to Serie A in 2018-19 and, while the club were relegated the following season, Tonali made his Italy debut during the campaign when he came on as a substitute against Liechtenstein in October 2019. He joined AC Milan on loan in the summer of 2020 and, after making the move permanent the following year, scored five goals in 36 top-flight appearances as the club won the Italian title in 2022. Tonali scored twice in 34 Serie A outings as the San Siro side finished fourth last season, while he made 12 appearances in the Champions League before Milan were beaten by rivals Inter in the semi-finals.
Personal Terms Agreed Between Newcastle and Tonali
Riso added that personal terms have been agreed between Newcastle and Tonali. Speaking to Italian media, Riso said that when such an important offer is received it is difficult to refuse both for the club and the player. Tonali is currently part of Italy’s squad at the Under-21 European Championships.
Analysis – Tonali the First of Two ‘Marquee’ Signings?
The Daily Telegraph’s Luke Edwards speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live said that it’s a really good signing. Tonali created 22 chances in Serie A last season which, for a deep-lying midfield player, is remarkable. Edwards added that Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was probably getting a bit twitchy as all managers do at this time of the year when they have not got any players coming in through the door.
They went for Nicolo Barella from Inter Milan but I think the asking price for him was more like £100m, but now they’ve gone for Tonali who is a really good player. I think he will be a big success at Newcastle. Because Newcastle are quoted such extortionate prices and the pound signs flash up for clubs whenever they are involved, I think they will only make one more expensive signing this summer. That will be the majority of the budget and then they will look for value for money.
Conclusion
Newcastle United are close to signing Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali from Serie A side AC Milan, according to his agent. The 23-year-old is expected to sign a six-year contract and complete his medical in the coming days. Giuseppe Riso, Tonali’s agent, said the transfer could be worth up to 80m euros (£68.5m) including add-ons. Personal terms have been agreed between Newcastle and Tonali and The Daily Telegraph’s Luke Edwards believes he will be a big success at Newcastle. Edwards also believes that Newcastle will only make one more expensive signing this summer before looking for value for money.