There should be nothing standing in the way for Sandro Tonali with the star either signing a new deal at St James’ Park or heading off this summer
12:18, 01 Apr 2026Updated 12:19, 01 Apr 2026
Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali reacts as Italy lose to Bosnia & Herzegovina on penalties
Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali was today getting over the devastation of missing out on the World Cup with Italy.
The Toon ace was the only Italian player to convert in an awful penalty shoot out against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final last night. And while the pain of failing to reach the finals for Tonali will be evident for the next few weeks, from a Newcastle point of view it should simplify his future.
If Tonali is to leave – something Newcastle don’t want but remain realistic about given interest from Manchester United – there would be no hanging around until after the World Cup any more.
The situation speeds up any potential showdown between Tonali, his agent Seppe Riso and Newcastle chiefs. CEO David Hopkinson was clear that Newcastle don’t want to be kept waiting around on deals in or out.
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Certainly, the last thing Newcastle fans or the club need is another Alexander Isak situation after the Sweden star went on strike last summer to win a move to Liverpool.
When asked his thoughts on the potential of Tonali knocking on the door for a move, the Canadian supremo said this week: “We haven’t got an overall strategy with regards players out, necessarily.
“We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer. But if an Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms and we’re going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club.”
There is talk on the circuit that Newcastle could hold out for £100m for Tonali and the Magpies aren’t exactly going to make it easy for a rival like Man United – or anybody else in the Premier League.
Man City are also admirers of Tonali but there is plenty of talking to be done between now and the end of the season. Eddie Howe may demand full focus of getting United back into Europe in the final seven games.
When asked about Tonali being unsettled, Howe told Chronicle Live: “The person that matters the most is Sandro. All I’ve ever seen from him is someone who is totally committed.
“Very selfless at times, he’s here for the team, not for himself. Forget the noise around him, he’s just fully committed.”
That commitment will be put to the full test between now and June. But the good news is that there should be no excuses for any agony to be prolonged.
Tonali could also kill any talk of a summer move in one swift interview with two years left on his current deal. Or the Magpies could get around the table any time before the window opens and agree an improved deal.
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