Sandro Tonali’s transfer to Newcastle United is only a matter of time. After the first reports that the negotiations would soon be concluded at the beginning of the week, consultant Giuseppe Riso confirmed the deal, which should not be finalized until next week due to the lack of formalities. The AC Milan midfielder was reportedly initially opposed to moving to England.
“It’s an excellent deal, Newcastle is the perfect project for Tonali. Newcastle wanted to sign Sandro as a key player at all costs,” Riso added “Sky Italia” quoted. “It will take a few more days, then the medical check will be due. Sandro is very relaxed.” The Italian will sign a six-year contract with the Premier League fourth, which will give him 8 million euros per season plus 2 million possible bonuses.
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Tonali’s departure is particularly surprising because the 23-year-old only last summer extended his contract with the Rossoneri, his favorite club since childhood, to 2027 and has since emphasized several times that he will not leave the club. This fits with reports that the right-footer initially rejected Newcastle’s first offer and tearfully told the Milan bosses that he wanted to stay. However, they insisted on accepting the financially lucrative offer of the “Magpies”. “It’s hard to turn down an offer like that, both for the club and for the player,” Riso said.
According to The Athletic, Newcastle paid around €70m for Tonali and gave the 2022 Italian champions a transfer record – Kaká has held it since 2009 at €67m. Tonali would be the fourth most expensive six in football history and the most expensive Italian midfielder ever.
According to Riso, Tonali’s ex-club Brescia Calcio will also earn money on the transfer. Milan had paid a €10m loan fee in 2020 and traded the €20m buy option down to €6.9m plus €3m in bonuses.
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