Sandro Tonali’s £60 million move from AC Milan to Premier League giants Newcastle United could be beneficial for his development, according to Italy manager Roberto Mancini.
Ok, so Newcastle United’s impending swoop for the Rossoneri playmaker might not be – as some had suggested – a sign of the club’s new-found pulling power in the post-Mike Ashley era.
Sandro Tonali’s club-record equaling £60 million move to St James’ Park appears to have been driven more by Milan’s desire to sell, rather than the player’s desire to pull on that iconic black-and-white shirt.
But regardless of how the transfer might have come about, what cannot be disputed is the fact that Eddie Howe is about to get his mitts on one of Europe’s finest young midfielders. A man who combines the guile of Bruno Guimaraes with the graft of Joelinton, and one who’s supreme performances helped bring an end to AC Milan’s decade-long Scudetto drought in 2022.
Newcastle agree deal with AC Milan for Sandro Tonali
Italy boss Mancini admits to having mixed feelings over Tonali’s departure from the San Siro.
On one hand, the sight of the country’s biggest clubs losing a star player highlights the growing financial chasm between the Premier League and Serie A.
Then again, Tonali could take his game to another level in England, benefitting from going head-to-head with Europe’s best on a weekly basis.
“On the one hand there is a bit of regret,” Mancini tells Sky Italia. “If a good young player like Tonali leaves Italy, that means there are some problems.
“On a technical level, however, playing the Premier League will be useful for Tonali. It’s good for him.”
‘An excellent deal’
Newcastle agreed terms with Tonali late last week.
According to the 23-year-old’s agent, there are still ‘I’s’ to be dotted and ‘T’s’ to cross. But Tonali should be posing for photos in front of the Gallowgate end in time for the start of pre-season.
“Mission accomplished? Not yet. There is still a little more (to do),” Guiseppe Riso says, in quotes reported by talkSPORT.
“It’s difficult to reject huge bid for the club and the player. We agreed all terms for Tonali with Newcastle and the two clubs are finalising the deal. The contract with Newcastle will be valid for the next six years.
“The boy is calm He knows that when such important offers arrive, from such important clubs, it is difficult to refuse. We have reached an agreement on the player side. They are (working out the final details) between the clubs. Once this is done, he will undergo medical examinations in the next few days.
“This is an excellent deal, Newcastle is the perfect project for Tonali. Newcastle wanted Sandro as a key signing at all costs. He will be a crucial player. This deal also helps AC Milan and Brescia’s finances a lot.”
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