The former AC Milan midfielder has once again hinted at a possible return to Italy: who has thought about it and who already has the dossier in hand
The black and white obviously suits him. Having left the beloved Rossoneri colors of Milan, Sandro Tonali found himself at ease in Newcastle. This is why wearing the Juve shirt shouldn’t embarrass him. Shirts aside, the future of the blue midfielder is increasingly on everyone’s lips. Sandro puts his own spin on it, given that when they ask him the question about his possible return to Italy he always winks, implicitly confirming the rumors that have been chasing him for months.
who wants it?
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Newcastle, rich and ambitious, have given him a unique showcase in the last two years and also waited for him in the difficult days of his disqualification. In short, as he himself admits, he is happy where he is. Up to a certain point. It is clear that he misses the dear places in Italy, the desire to breathe a more homely atmosphere. In particular, it is striking how in his interview with Coverciano he goes out of his way to say that “Serie A is always more beautiful”. A counter-trend concept, considering that the Premier League is unquestionably the most important championship in the world. Evidently, however, in Tonali’s mind the idea of living his years of football maturity in our area is a business card to be taken into serious consideration. The message applies in particular to Juventus. In the meantime, Milan has taken other paths and there is no feeling that the leaders in via Aldo Rossi are thinking of huge investments in midfield, especially after the shuffling of the cards made by Allegri. Napoli also only had a thought last summer, but never explored the concept in depth. And Inter themselves have now planned other moves in the middle of the pitch, given that Barella is successfully experimenting with directing duties in place of Çalhanoğlu and Sučić is fitting in brilliantly.
Juve and possible costs
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However, in Turin the numbers don’t add up. There is no point of reference in the middle of the ford. So much so that in recent months the Bianconeri had already given a peek at the Tonali dossier. A timid attempt, considering the high costs of the operation. And above all because of the wall erected by Newcastle’s Saudi owners, determined to defend their most prominent talents. At this point in the season it is difficult to believe in immediate moves. Even in January it is difficult for the English club to agree to deprive themselves of the Lodi midfielder. Rather, it is logical to believe that the major maneuvers begin depending on the summer. Let’s try, then, to define the costs of the operation. Two summers ago Newcastle spent around 60 million euros (plus bonuses and liabilities towards FIFA), while the player received a contract until 2028 worth 8 million net per season. In the meantime its value has grown and, virtually, at 26 years the price should be even higher. In this matter, however, Tonali’s will weighs heavily and he will find himself in a favorable situation in 2026. Two years after the expiry of his relationship with the English club, it will be up to him to accept the extension or not. If this were not the case, therefore, the purchasing club could find space for a concrete assault. Is Juve ready for this move? The start of Tudor’s team confirmed the already known limitations in midfield. And the need to secure a top-level player appears clear to everyone. We therefore just have to wait to understand the real room for manoeuvre. Beyond the technical aspect, Tonali’s return to Italy would represent an enrichment for the entire championship. And then Juve would have the opportunity to expand the limited squad of its Azzurri. In the Juventus tradition, the national teams have always had a place of respect. An identity lost along the way, opening the doors to nostalgia. The same one Sandro has for our championship. Fate seems to bring them together.
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