Newcastle United has made a significant move in their quest to return to Champions League football by completing the signing of AC Milan star midfielder Sandro Tonali.
The 23-year-old Italian international has joined the club in a deal reportedly worth over £50 million. Tonali has committed to an initial contract that will keep him at St James’ Park until 2028.
Tonali, who boasts 14 senior caps for Italy, recently captained his country at the European Under-21 Championship in Georgia and Romania. The announcement of his signing came just a day after Italy’s exit from the competition.
Expressing his gratitude, the former Brescia player stated, “I want to thank Newcastle United for providing me with a tremendous opportunity for my career. I aim to repay their trust by giving my all on the pitch, as I have always done. I am truly excited about playing at St James’ Park and can’t wait to experience the warmth of the fans.”
Tonali’s arrival aligns with Newcastle’s ambition to make marquee signings under the guidance of head coach Eddie Howe, who steered the team to a top-four finish in the Premier League last season, securing their return to Europe’s elite club competition after a 20-year absence.
Howe’s focus for this summer’s transfer window has been on acquiring quality rather than quantity while adhering to the club’s financial restrictions following the substantial investment made by its new Saudi-backed owners.
Recognizing the challenges of juggling domestic and European campaigns, Howe acknowledges that replicating last season’s remarkable league performance will be more demanding alongside Europe’s top clubs. Nonetheless, the acquisition of a player of Tonali’s calibre signifies Newcastle’s aspirations and Howe’s satisfaction in securing the deal.
Delighted with the signing, Howe expressed, “I’m thrilled to welcome Sandro to Newcastle United. He possesses exceptional talent and possesses the mentality, physicality, and technical attributes that make him a perfect fit for our team.
At the age of 23, Sandro has already gained valuable experience as a key player in one of Europe’s top leagues and in the Champions League, as well as representing his country. However, he also has immense potential to grow and develop with us, and I am excited to have him as part of our squad as we approach the upcoming thrilling season.”
Tonali began his professional career at Brescia, where he played a crucial role in the club’s promotion to Serie A. In the summer of 2020, he moved to AC Milan initially on a season-long loan before making the switch permanent.
During his time at Milan, Tonali made 130 appearances in the Italian top flight and featured in all 12 of the Rossoneri’s Champions League matches last season, reaching the semi-finals before falling to their arch-rivals Inter.
Newcastle’s acquisition of Sandro Tonali showcases their determination to compete at the highest level and underscores their ambition to make a successful return to the prestigious Champions League tournament.
