In July 2023, Newcastle made a large investment to acquire the services of Sandro Tonali, who had had great seasons in Serie A at Brescia and Milan, a club to which they paid 70 million euros for his signing. This move was to improve the level of the English club’s squad, as they had returned to the Champions League 19 years after their last participation in the 2003-24 season.
In October 2023, Tonali’s career was cut short at the age of 23, when he was suspended for 10 months without competing due to a sports betting scandal during his time in Italy, when he was a member of Milan. In turn, the FA accused the Italian of placing between 40 and 50 bets on football after arriving at Newcastle, charges that the Magpies player assumed, also going to rehabilitation to overcome his gambling addiction.
The Italian saw a yellow card in the 92nd minute of a match between Newcastle and Aston Villa (5-1). An avoidable warning that, after its relationship with the betting scandal in Italy
On August 28, return to the playing fields
In the second round of the EFL Cup, Tonali again suited up playing 62 minutes against Nottingham Forest. From there, he has played 15 games for Newcastle, starting eight of them. However, with Italy, Spalletti has given him back the confidence that he may have been lacking with the Magpies, starting in all six UEFA Nations League matches and being a fundamental piece in the Azurra’s scheme.
Since his return to the competition, Tonali has played a total of 21 matches between club and national team, where he has played a total of 1,332 minutes. With Newcastle he has contributed two assists, the same figures as with the Italian team, where he also scored a goal, in the narrow victory against Belgium.
Possible return to Italy
The lack of minutes at Newcastle is not pleasing the Italian midfielder at all, and his possible return to Italy is something that has not been ruled out in those around him. Milan, his last club before the Magpies, could be interested, and Tonali himself has recognized his passion as a Rossoneri fan. The Italians are still alive in the Champions League, but their season in Serie A has not started in the best way.
Tonali driving a ball against Koke in a Champions League match against AtléticoÁNGEL RIVERO
Milan is not the only club in the fight, there are also Inter and Juventus, and PSG and Bayern Munich could also appear on the scene. However, there is a big drawback to acquiring Tonali’s services: his nine million salary and the high price that Newcastle paid for his services. Therefore, the only viable option for the Italian midfielder to leave the English club would be a loan, something that could still happen in this upcoming January transfer market.
