Sandro Tonali is taking a ‘step backwards’ after swapping Serie A giants AC Milan for a fresh start in the Premier League with Newcastle United.
An upwardly-mobile, deep-pocketed Newcastle United may have come on leaps and bounds since Steve Bruce was replaced in the St James’ Park dugout by Eddie Howe, but they have not yet arrived at their destination.
The journey from underachievers to Champions League regulars is only just beginning. The signing of a player of Sandro Tonali’s supreme talents should help the Magpies establish themselves in England’s top four once again, the Italy international completing his £55 million move on Monday.
Though, as far as former Newcastle favourite Philippe Albert is concerned, St James’ is still a step down from San Siro. For now, at least.
Newcastle United complete Sandro Tonali deal
“For the league, it’s a step forward. The Premier League is certainly stronger (than Serie A). But Milan is still Milan. A club that has won many trophies and that, in the 1980s, was the strongest team (in Europe),” Albert, a Tyneside favourite during the Kevin Keegan era, tells Milan News.
“Newcastle are a great club. But, currently, going from Milan to Newcastle is a step backwards.
“But when a club is forced to accept offers, the player then has to do the same and agree to leave.”
Tonali becomes Newcastle’s second most expensive signing of all time, behind only £60 million striker Alexander Isak. The former Brescia playmaker shone as AC Milan ended their decade-long wait for Scudetto glory in 2021, before reaching the Champions League semi-finals 12 months later.
Albert knows from experience just how welcoming the famously impassioned Newcastle fanbase can be. But the pressure may be on for Tonali to perform immediately given the sheer enormity of his transfer fee.
‘The pressure will be a lot’
“I know that the pressure will be a lot because the fans will expect a lot from Sandro given the price-tag. (He will be) expected to rock the world,” Albert adds.
“Tonali will have to give his all. If he does, the Newcastle fans will let a lot of things slide.”
Tonali has already been given the seal of approval by one Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Milan legend played alongside 23-year-old Tonali for the Rossoneri.
“Is Tonali ready for the Premier League? Yes, I think so,” Ibrahimovic tells Gazzetta dello Sport. “It depends on him.
“I made him understand the right mentality he must have to win. And he won. He has grown a lot with Milan, he has a great responsibility and he still has to grow.
“But he will make it in England, and he will make it well.”
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