Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of Italian midfield sensation Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.
The Premier League club, who returned to Champions League football after 20 years, are hoping to bolster the squad ahead of 2023/24 season.
Under the watch of Eddie Howe, the Magpies beat Liverpool and Tottenham to top four finish, clinching the last Champions League spot on the Premier League table.
Sandro Tonali will be expected to hit the ground running as he opens a new chapter in his career.
Newcastle signed Sandro Tonali for £52m with a six-year contract offer till 2029.
Speaking to Newcastle United website, Tonali thanked Newcastle United for affording him the opportunity to build up his career. The midfielder also reiterated his readiness to get down to the task and give back to the club and the fans.
”First of all, I want to thank Newcastle United because they are giving me a huge opportunity for my career’, he said.
“I want to repay the trust on the pitch, giving it my all, as I always have. I’m really excited about playing at St. James’ Park, I can’t wait to feel the warmth of the fans.”
Reacting to Sandro Tonali’s signing, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe expressed his delight having Sandro Tonali in the squad and hopes to count on his Champions League experience as the Magpies get ready for the elite club competition in Europe next season.
Howe also hailed Tonali’s talent, physical and mental attributes that makes him a good fit for the club.
”I’m delighted to welcome Sandro to Newcastle United. He is an exceptional talent and has the mentality, physicality and technical attributes to be a great fit for us.”
How Sandro Tonali will fit into Newcastle United squad
Sandro Tonali is known for his great positioning and technical skills at the middle of the park. He is always deployed on a deep-lying role in the midfield usually in attacking 4-3-3 formation.
Tonali will be expected to make a good pairing with Newcastle and Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Eddie Howe will likely deploy Tonali as a central midfielder freeing Bruno Guimaraes on a more attacking role at the middle of the park.
Before moving for the player, Newcastle United sent scouts to the San Siro to study the trails, style, and movements of the player in Inter Milan Vs AC Milan Champions League semifinal clash.
Tonali has been regarded as one of the most promising youngsters in Italian football and has been nicknamed “Pirlo” – one of Italy’s famous midfield veterans.
Tonali joined AC Milan on an initial loan from Brescia in 2020 before the loan was made permanent following an impressive outing with the Rossoneri.
He has made 130 Serie A appearances for the club. He featured in all 12 AC Milan games in the Champions League.
According to reports from Italian outlets, Sandro Tonali was unhappy after he learnt of the decision to be sold by the club.
La Republica says AC Milan pushed through the move against the wish of Tonali as they needed the money for this summer transfer activities.
Sandro Tonali Newcastle United Salary
Sandro Tonali signed a six-year contract with Newcastle United worth €8m per season with €2m add-ons. His estimated weekly wage at the club is £132,000.
