Newcastle warned they are paying £30m too much as target ‘not worth it’

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Newcastle United are massively overpaying for Sandro Tonali with the Premier League giants expected to splash out £60 million on the Serie A winner. 

At least, according to Massimo Brambati; the former defender-turned-agent speaking to Tuttomercatoweb as Eddie Howe closes in on what is likely to be one of the biggest signings made by any club during the summer of 2023. 

Sandro Tonali’s agent has already confirmed that the former Brescia talisman is likely to sign a six-year deal at St James’ Park. Newcastle United have agreed terms on a £60 million deal which will make the 23-year-old midfielder their all-time joint-record signing, much to Brambati’s surprise. 

“He’s not worth that amount,” Brambati argues. “Maybe he’s not even worth half of it!” 

Newcastle United close in on Sandro Tonali deal with AC Milan

It is worth remembering that similarly disparaging comments were flying around when the news emerged that Alexander Isak was joining the Magpies for a sum of £60 million less than 12 months ago. 

Isak, after all, had scored just six La Liga goals in his final season at Real Sociedad.

You’d struggle to find anyone questioning the Swede’s price-tag these days, however; Isak proving to be an exhilarating addition for a Newcastle side now looking forward to Champions League football for the first time in two decades. 

Tonali, meanwhile, continues to offer a tantalising glimpse into what Newcastle can expect from him during the ongoing U21 European Championships in Georgia and Romania.

Tonali has been a cut above the rest in Italy blue. setting up goals in each of his group-stage outings with his pinpoint set-piece delivery causing no end of problems. 

Roberto Mancini, Italy’s first team coach, admits to having rather mixed feelings about Tonali’s impending move away from his beloved AC Milan, however. 

“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.” 

Newcastle turned to Tonali after Inter Milan quoted £85 million for fellow Italian Nicolo Barella.