Newcastle United have signed ‘next Rodri’ for £55m after 10-month wait pays off

Supporters were left frustrated by the Italian’s lack of game time earlier this season. Tonali - a £55million arrival from AC Milan in June 2023 - missed the bulk of his debut campaign due to a 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations.

A frugal summer window placed most of the optimism on Tonali’s shoulders, with fans desperate to see him make his long-awaited return. But as is usually the case, Eddie Howe bedded the midfielder in gently and, with results proving inconsistent, frustration grew on Tyneside.

Tonali was shifted to a deep-lying role in early December - with Newcastle’s fortunes changing drastically. Allowing Bruno Guimaraes to play further forward, Tonali has been the fulcrum for United’s turnaround.

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Seven wins on the bounce have propelled the Magpies into Champions League contention and just one step away from another Carabao Cup final. Arsenal were dispatched in midweek, with Tonali again at the base of Newcastle’s midfield.

Gunners legend Merson believes the 24-year-old has been the key behind the recent Toon resurgence. When asked about Newcastle’s form, he told Sky Sports: “Tonali is back. I think he’ll be the next Rodri. He’s outstanding, I’m a big fan of his. It’s a big call but he sits behind Bruno (Guimaraes) and gives Bruno more chances to bomb forward.

“With Joelinton, naturally a centre-forward who now plays in midfield and (therefore) always going to be getting into the box. They’ve been outstanding, those three. They’ve dominated games.

“They are flying at the moment. Botman came in and hadn’t played for how long? He just steps in and plays. It’s amazing. They’re flying. There’s a cliche in football ‘The next goal is important’. No more so than in the next leg. Arsenal have to score first, whatever happens.”