There are a number of names being heavily linked with this new-look Newcastle United side. The latest is AC Milan and Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, with the player having “reached an agreement on personal terms” as per Fabrizio Romano.
Bruno Guimarães was the major arrival in this Newcastle United midfield last summer, now it is the turn of a certain Italian midfielder. This transfer saga has moved along quite rapidly, after all, it was confirmed just a couple of days ago that a “€70m deal structure/add-ons” was on the table.
It is no secret that the Magpies now have an influx of funds and so they have the ability to tempt Tonali away from his beloved Milan. This will take place in the form of an “€8m salary net per season plus €2m add-ons”, a major hike on the wage he has been collecting in the fashion capital of the world.
The 23-year-old would be bolstering an already strong midfield unit with Guimarães, Joelinton and Joe Willock having been the key trio under Eddie Howe thus far. Tonali will be going from one fourth-placed team to another, the appeal of both Premier League football and continuing the Champions Leaguesurely playing a major role in the deal.
Tonali joined Milan permanently in 2021 after enjoying a year-long loan spell at the San Siro. Previously, he was a relative unknown with lower league Brescia, the club whose academy system he graduated from. Since making the move to Milan, the centre-midfielder has gone on to become a mainstay under Stefano Pioli.
On top of this club success, the Italian midfielder has amassed 14 caps to date for his country. He is part of a new Azzurri generation alongside the likes of Galatasaray’s Nicolo Zaniolo and Juventus winger Federico Chiesa.
Only a handful of Italian players have previously graced the turf at St James’ Park, in this exclusive group already is fullback Davide Santon and the legendary striker Giuseppe Rossi. The latter, who currently plays for SPAL in Serie C at the age of 36, only joined Newcastle on loan and so Tonali will be the biggest if this deal is to get over the line.
