Sandro Tonali spotted in Italy and swiftly returns to Newcastle United on Ryanair flight
Newcastle United playmaker Sandro Tonali joined Brescia as a 12-year-old before moving to AC Milan in 2020.
Sandro Tonali cheered on Union Brescia as they booked a spot in the Serie A semi-final last night.
The Italian was given some downtime following Newcastle United’s victory over West Ham United at the weekend. Tonali joined Brescia as a 12-year-old, although not technically the same club.
The original La Leonessa - a club that produced Italian legends like Andrea Pirlo - went bust after hitting financial difficulties last year. A phoenix club, Union Brescia, was soon formed and are now on their road to recovery.
Sandro Tonali warm reception
They drew 0-0 with Casanaro last night - enough to book a semi-final spot against Salernitana after winning 3-0 at the weekend. Tonali was welcomed with open arms as he visited the place that moulded him into an elite-level footballer.
The Toon ace spent eight years at Brescia, winning Serie A promotion before joining AC Milan - the club he supports - aged 20. Three successful seasons at the San Siro included a Scudetto title, with Newcastle stumping up £55million for his services in 2023.
Several clips surfaced on social media of Tonali being given a warm reception as he rooted for the third-tier side. It is understood that the midfielder returned to Tyneside this morning via a Ryanair flight.
Tonali will regroup with his Newcastle teammates as preparations begin for the trip to Fulham on the final day. Intense speculation regarding his future could make the Craven Cottage visit his final appearance in black-and-white stripes.
What Sandro Tonali’s agent has said
Tonali’s agent, Beppe Riso, has repeatedly claimed that Tonali could leave this summer. His suggestion that he will wait until after the World Cup backfired when Italy failed to qualify, losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties.
“That was the aim from the moment he went to England - to try and turn him into a star player,” Riso told Italian media. “I think he’s the Italian player with one of the highest values in the world. I don’t know (whether he will join Man City or Arsenal) but it’s very likely.
“Everyone is waiting for the World Cup. Then a thousand scenarios will unfold, but it all kicks off after the World Cup.”