Can Serie A clubs afford Italy and Newcastle star Tonali?
Juventus have been linked with signing Italy and Newcastle star Sandro Tonali, but his price tag this summer will make it hard for any Serie A club to sign the ex-Milan star.
Tonali is surely one of the most highly regarded central midfielders in Europe, and his recent brilliant displays with the Italy national team only reinforced his status as one of the best Azzurri players.
Several ex-Juventus and Italy stars have urged Juventus to sign the 25-year-old from Lodi, but the level of competition, especially financially, will make it very hard for the Bianconeri to secure a deal for the Italian ace.
As 1xBet login highlights, Newcastle are unlikely to qualify for any European competition this season, and with many top clubs targeting the ex-Milan star for next summer, a move seems practically certain.
Tonali’s agent, Beppe Riso, will hold talks with the Magpies this month to determine his client’s future: “We will evaluate in March whether Newcastle are open to anything, but right now he is playing in the Champions League, it is not the right moment to talk about it,” Riso said last month.
A former Milan star, Tonali has three goals and seven assists in 47 appearances across all competitions with Newcastle this season.
According to reports in Italy, Newcastle will demand at least €90m for Tonali next summer, making it nearly impossible for Juventus to compete with Premier League clubs.
Arsenal, Manchester United and City are said to be interested in the Italy international who joined the Magpies from Milan in a deal exceeding €70m in the summer of 2023.
Regardless of Tonali’s future beyond the summer, the Italian has surely built a strong bond with Newcastle and their fans.
Tonali recently expressed his gratitude to the Magpies’ supporters, especially for their support during a betting ban in 2024.
“It goes beyond football; it’s a matter of everyday life. Too often, we judge people before really knowing them, and we hurt them,” Tonali said.
“The line between right and wrong is very thin, but Newcastle fans never cross it. They see, they understand, and they think; they don’t judge. Their behaviour has taught me not to judge. Everyone can make mistakes, but that doesn’t mean everyone has the right to judge. I will always acknowledge this credit to Newcastle fans. If I think this way today, it’s because they did the same to me.
“It’s rare for such a bond to be created between a player and fans without really having done anything. I basically just play football. Many people play football, and many play it well, but not everyone has this kind of relationship with their fans. I was, and still am, surprised by the affection I receive.”