£52m midfielder’s agent makes ‘historic’ Newcastle United transfer claim

Sandro Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso has reflected on his client’s record-breaking move to Newcastle United.

Just under a fortnight after the deal was first agreed, Tonali was officially confirmed as a Magpies player on Monday for an undisclosed fee - believed to be £52million plus add-ons - to make him Italy’s most expensive player of all time.

Tonali put pen to paper on a five-year contract - which includes an option of a sixth year - before making a flying visit to Tyneside on Wednesday, where he visited St James’ Park and the club’s Benton training ground before travelling back to Milan a day later.

Upon his return to Italy, Tonali and his agent Giuseppe Riso were questioned by Italian journalists at the airport. While Tonali spoke of the difficult decision to leave his boyhood team, Riso showed his delight.

Riso said: “The operation will go down in history, we are happy and proud. I see him calm. When clubs like Newcastle or others from the Premier League appear, which is the NBA of football, it is right for all parties to sit down and discuss it.”

When asked how satisified he was to get the Tonali deal over the line, Riso paid tribute to super agent Mino Raiola, who passed away aged 54 last year.

“A lot,” he said. “I say one thing: I would like to take the opportunity to remember Mino Raiola, he’s missed so much and that’s felt. He changed our way of working and improved it. He created the show. I would like an award or a day to remember him. He deserves it.”

Tonali will enjoy a short break before linking up with his new teammates as they prepare for the 2023-24 Premier League campaign.