Sandro Tonali has opened up about his future at Newcastle United, admitting that while he is happy with life in England, he cannot completely rule out a return to Italy one day.
The midfielder’s honesty has sparked fresh debate among fans, especially after reports surfaced suggesting Juventus were monitoring his situation closely.
Yet despite the speculation, Tonali insists he is fully settled under Eddie Howe and remains focused on his current journey with the Magpies.
The Italian midfielder joined Newcastle in 2023 from AC Milan in a deal worth £55 million, a transfer that marked one of the club’s biggest statements under their new ownership.
Since then, Tonali has become a key figure in Howe’s side, admired for his calm presence, exceptional work rate, and technical quality in midfield.
His performances have only strengthened Newcastle’s growing reputation both domestically and in Europe. Still, for a player who grew up immersed in Italian football culture, questions about a possible return to Serie A were always bound to surface.
Speaking to Vivo Azzurro, Tonali addressed the speculation with refreshing honesty. “You can never know what will happen,” he said. “I tell everyone it’s possible. I’m not closing the door on Italy; it’s my country.
Maybe not now because I’ve found my balance at Newcastle, but the league is getting better and better, the level of the teams is rising.” His words reflect both his loyalty to Newcastle and his affection for his homeland a balance that many Italian players abroad struggle to maintain.
Tonali’s comments came shortly after he was seen meeting with his agent, Giuseppe Riso, in Milan during the international break.
That meeting quickly ignited a wave of rumours across the Italian media, with many claiming Juventus were preparing an approach. Given Juventus’ admiration for Tonali dating back to his Brescia days, such links were hardly surprising.
But sources close to the player have since made it clear that no transfer is imminent, and Tonali himself remains committed to Newcastle’s long-term project.
With three years left on his contract, the 25-year-old still appears to be an essential part of Howe’s plans. His influence in midfield has been crucial this season, helping Newcastle maintain consistency even through challenging spells.
Tonali’s tactical intelligence, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of games have turned him into one of the Premier League’s most admired midfielders.
It’s no wonder Manchester United legend Paul Scholes recently declared that Tonali is better than both Declan Rice and Moisés Caicedo two players valued at over £100 million. Coming from Scholes, that’s high praise indeed, and it highlights how well Tonali’s reputation has grown since arriving in England.
The midfielder’s statistics tell part of the story. Since joining Newcastle, he has made 66 appearances, contributing seven goals and five assists across all competitions. His impact extends beyond numbers, though.
Tonali was instrumental in Newcastle’s memorable Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool earlier this year, a moment that cemented his importance to the team.
His composure in high-pressure matches and his leadership on the pitch have made him one of the club’s most trusted players.
For now, Tonali’s focus is fully on helping Newcastle continue their upward climb. After a strong start to the Premier League campaign, the Magpies are again eyeing European qualification, and Tonali’s form will play a massive role in achieving that goal.
His bond with Eddie Howe also appears strong, with the manager regularly praising the Italian’s attitude and professionalism.
During the current international break, Tonali is representing Italy as they prepare for their World Cup qualifiers.
The Azzurri are set to face Estonia on October 11 at the Lillekula Stadium, followed by a clash against Israel on October 14 at the Bluenergy Stadium.
After the international duty, Tonali will return to England as Newcastle prepare for a crucial Premier League fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion on October 18.
While rumours of a potential return to Serie A will likely persist, Tonali’s current happiness and strong performances suggest he is in no rush to leave.
His words may leave the door open for a future move home, but they also show maturity and self-awareness qualities that have made him a fan favourite at St James’ Park.
For now, Newcastle supporters can rest easy knowing that one of their brightest stars remains fully committed to the club’s ambitions.
If anything, Tonali’s situation underlines just how far Newcastle have come. The fact that one of Italy’s finest midfielders is flourishing on Tyneside and inspiring speculation from Europe’s elite speaks volumes about the club’s growing stature.
Whether or not he eventually returns to Italy someday, Tonali’s present belongs to Newcastle United and he’s clearly relishing every minute of its.
