Italian media have once again stirred the pot around Sandro Tonali just days before the January transfer window opens, with fresh claims linking the Newcastle United midfielder to a return to Serie A.
Despite being tied down at St James’ Park until 2030, Tonali continues to attract attention from his homeland, where his reputation remains extremely high.
Tonali arrived on Tyneside in 2023 in a deal worth around £55 million from AC Milan, a move that surprised many at the time. He left his boyhood club to take on a new challenge in the Premier League, and Newcastle viewed him as a statement signing, someone who could elevate the team both technically and mentally.
While his time in England has not been straightforward, there is no doubt the club still see him as a central figure in their long-term plans.
Much of Tonali’s Newcastle story has been shaped by the difficult period he endured shortly after joining. Just 12 games into his Magpies career, the midfielder was hit with a 10-month suspension related to gambling offences.
It was a major blow for both player and club, but Newcastle stood firmly by him during that time. The support he received from the club, staff, and supporters created a strong bond, and Tonali has repeatedly spoken about feeling grateful for the faith shown in him when he needed it most.
That sense of loyalty has helped him reintegrate into the squad, and since returning to action he has worked hard to repay that trust on the pitch. However, recent comments from the Italian international have raised eyebrows.
When asked last month about his long-term future at Newcastle, Tonali gave an answer that was honest but far from reassuring for fans hoping he would commit fully to the club for years to come.
Rather than offering a clear declaration, Tonali explained that football careers must be viewed one season at a time. He said he does not like making promises about staying for ten years when circumstances can change quickly.
While he stressed that he is happy at Newcastle right now and not thinking about another club, his words reflected a realism that left the door open for future possibilities. In modern football, that kind of openness is often enough to spark speculation, especially when Italian giants are watching closely.
That speculation has been fuelled further by reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, which claims Juventus are exploring midfield options ahead of January.
According to the report, the Turin club are looking for both a creative midfielder and a wide option, and Tonali is described as their “dream” signing. The idea of bringing him back to Serie A, particularly to a club of Juventus’ stature, is said to appeal to some within the Italian game.
However, the reality of such a move is far more complicated. Juventus are still dealing with financial constraints, and a deal for Tonali would be extremely expensive.
Newcastle would be under no pressure to sell, especially with the player contracted until 2030. Any serious conversation would likely start around the £100 million mark, a figure that makes the move unrealistic in the short term for most clubs, Juventus included.
Newcastle’s stance on Tonali has been made clear through actions as well as words. During his suspension, the club quietly agreed to a contract extension with the midfielder, a strong signal of trust and long-term belief.
That extension only became public knowledge earlier this season, prompting questions for Eddie Howe about Tonali’s future.
Howe spoke warmly about the player, explaining that many discussions took place during the ban and that Tonali truly felt the support of everyone connected to the club.
The Newcastle manager emphasised that Tonali is happy, enjoying his football again, and remains an integral part of the team. While Howe admitted that no one can ever predict the future in football, his comments reflected confidence that Tonali is settled and valued on Tyneside.
For Newcastle supporters, the ongoing links to Italy can be frustrating, but they are also a sign of Tonali’s quality. Top players are always talked about, especially those with strong ties to major footballing nations.
For now, there is no indication that Newcastle are preparing to part ways with one of their most important midfielders.
As January approaches, rumours will continue to swirl, but the situation remains clear. Tonali is under contract, valued highly by his club, and playing an important role in Eddie Howe’s plans. Unless something extraordinary happens, any talk of a quick return to Italy looks more like wishful thinking than a genuine possibility.
