Sandro Tonali has spoken out after rumours linking him with a return to Serie A have re-emerged.
Newcastle’s midfield maestro joined from AC Milan in the summer of 2023 for a fee in the region of £55m and has been consistently linked with a return to the Rossoneri, with talk in January popping up he was wanted by Juventus.
The Toon look set to strengthen their squad this summer after working themselves into a stronger position on the PSR front, but keeping our star players at St James’ Park is also key.
Sandro Tonali has brushed off talk linking him with a return to Serie A, relaying that his full focus is on helping Newcastle to win trophies.
Asked about reports linking him with a January move back to Italy, he said: “I have never spoken about it with my agents. And I know, from experience, that if you don’t get to that point there is nothing concrete.
“And in any case I am happy with myself here, I have found my line and there is no need to upset it again. I want to win for the Newcastle fans, soon we will have the first opportunity at Wembley.”
Asked about his time in England and a return to Milan one day, he added: “I have no regrets. The idea of returning to Milan one day is there, but it’s not the thought when I wake up in the morning”.
Tonali hails from the city of Lodi in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, of which Milan is the capital. There is little prospect of an immediate move home, with Toon looking to keep the Italian on Tyneside, and his comments on a return may well be more to do with the tailend of his career.
The Italian’s agent has also ruled out that the midfielder will return to his home nation due to the financial climate in Serie A.
Speaking earlier this month, Tonali’s agent Beppe Riso said: “Back to Serie A in June? He is one of the best midfielders in the world, he has a price Italian clubs will hardly be able to pay. I imagine a career for him far away from Serie A.”
Revenue generated through broadcasting rights in the Italian top division lags significantly behind other major European leagues. Many clubs are believed to be carrying substantial debts, owing in part to a decrease in domestic sponsorships with the economy in Italy currently struggling.
It’s not to say a move is impossible by any means, but Newcastle have no need to sell their talent – meaning they can ultimately stick whatever price tag they want on Tonali.