Sandro Tonali has offered a candid glimpse into his current mindset at Newcastle United, addressing both his contract situation and the swirl of transfer speculation that has followed him since his £52 million move from AC Milan in 2023.
The Italian midfielder, who has become one of Newcastle’s most important players, admitted he was somewhat puzzled by the attention surrounding his contract extension, which was agreed during the 2023/24 season while he served a 10-month betting ban.
Despite the headlines, Tonali insists the extension, which effectively keeps him under contract until 2029 with an option for 2030, was a simple step in his professional journey rather than a major story.
“This extension was three seasons ago after the ban,” Tonali explained. “I don’t know why everybody spoke about this. I signed after the ban for another year and I’m happy, not just for one more year here, but I’m happy for the people, for the fans, for every player, every member of the staff here in Newcastle.
Every day, I work to win every game. I work for every person in Newcastle.” His words underline a commitment to the club, emphasizing the importance of team and community over headlines or outside speculation.
The extension covers the season he missed due to the betting ban, and while it ensures Tonali remains contracted, Newcastle’s new sporting director, Ross Wilson, will still need to assess a new long-term deal in the coming seasons.
Despite his current satisfaction at St James’ Park, Tonali did not rule out the possibility of a future move. “This is a tough question because in football you need to think year on year.
I don’t want to say ‘I want to stay here 10 years’ and in two years, three years, four years, five years I will go. I want to think, just for me, year on year. This is football. Last summer was tough for us, for Alex [Isak], but this is football.
If you have an option for your life, for another team you need to think about everything. I don’t want to say, ‘Yes, I want to stay here for 10 years’ but now I’m happy here. I don’t think anything about another team.” His honesty reflects the uncertainty inherent in football careers, particularly amid significant changes at Newcastle, such as Alexander Isak’s £130 million transfer to Liverpool.
Even with speculation swirling, Newcastle remain in a strong position. Tonali’s contract, which runs until 2029 with an optional extra year, ensures that any potential departure would come at a significant financial return.
This puts the club in a secure position, whether they retain him long-term or negotiate a future transfer. While Italian media outlets, including Corriere Della Sera, have suggested Tonali may eventually return to Milan, the reality is more complicated.
Tonali himself has acknowledged that a return to Italy is “possible” but clarified that such a move is unlikely in the immediate future. The Premier League has provided him stability, and the level of competition at Newcastle continues to rise.
Reports earlier this year, including from Tuttomercato, indicated that any potential Serie A move would likely require a fee of around €150 million (£132 million), putting clubs like Juventus out of reach. Tonali was also seen in Milan last month meeting with his agent, Beppe Riso, amid the ongoing speculation.
However, Riso made it clear that a return to Italy is not on the immediate horizon, stating, “Sandro is one of the best midfielders in the world. He now has a value that Italian clubs will find difficult to afford. I envision a career for him away from Serie A.
Sandro is absolutely not considering returning to Serie A. He’s happy at Newcastle, happy to play in the best league in the world and he’s an idol for Newcastle United fans who’ve always supported Sandro in every moment.”
Tonali’s remarks and his agent’s statements suggest that, while he remains grounded in the present, Newcastle fans can rest assured that he values his current environment.
His dedication to the club, coupled with his recognition of his own market value, paints a picture of a player who is both ambitious and pragmatic, fully aware of the opportunities before him yet committed to the team that has embraced him since his arrival.
For now, Tonali’s focus is on contributing to Newcastle’s ongoing success while keeping his career options open for the future, a delicate balance between loyalty, ambition, and professional growth.
