Tonali signing confirmed
Newcastle United confirmed the signing of Italian international midfielder Sandro Tonali from AC Milan at midday on Monday. The 23 year-old former Brescia player has signed an initial five year deal for an undisclosed fee.
While the fee is officially undisclosed it is rumoured to be between £52m and £60m. This would be the highest transfer fee paid for an Italian player.
Tonali has 14 caps for the Italian national team and captained the under 21 side. Said to be a lifelong Milan fan, he was a regular in the Rossoneri side which won the Serie A title in 2021/22.
Tonali to boost Howe’s midfield options
After their fourth place finish in the Premier League last season the Magpies are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of a Champions League campaign. Tonali brings experience of UEFA’s premier competition, having played in the Champions League for the last three seasons. A versatile midfielder, Tonali is most likely to compete for one of the two number 8 roles in Eddie Howe’s side, though he is capable of playing a more defensive role too. His technical excellence and athleticism should make him a good fit for Newcastle’s intense, front-foot brand of football.
Italians on Tyne
Tonali is on course to be the fourth Italian-born player to appear competitively for United. Italy international full back Davide Santon signed for the Magpies in 2011, while under 21 internationals Alessandro Pistone and Antonio Barecca both turned out for Newcastle. One other full Italian international has played for the club. US-born Giuseppe Rossi.
Magpies looking to strengthen squad
Newcastle will be hoping to push for another top four finish next season, while competing in Europe and having a shot at the domestic cups. They will require more strength in depth but will need to ship out some players before adding to the squad, and will have to be mindful of financial fair play.
