Sandro Tonali would demand ‘Alexander Isak numbers’ as Newcastle United deliver Italian reality check

Italian media outlets have appeared to accept reality over their intense pursuit for Newcastle United maestro Sandro Tonali.

Relentless reporting has surrounded the midfielder since his big-money move from AC Milan in 2023. Tonali remains one of Italy’s best talents and eyebrows were raised within Serie A quarters when he joined the Magpies.

The speculation intensified when the 25-year-old was slapped with a 10-month ban for breaching regulations just 12 games into his Toon career. Newcastle remained adamant throughout that talk about Tonali being unhappy was just noise.

The player was blown away by the support he received once returning from the suspension in August. Even when sidelined, Toon fans chanted Tonali’s name and rallied behind him - which took the player by surprise.

Sandro Tonali opens up on Newcastle United adulation

Speaking to beIN Sport earlier this season, the midfielder reflected on his lengthy lay-off. Tonali said: "When I had the ban for 10 months, I was still inside St James' Park, and everything from the fans felt the same (levels of affection).

“It was the same as before the ban. Any player who had a 10-month ban if you have those fans it makes it easier and it felt quicker. Every game we have great fans and have 50,000 home fans every game whether it is raining or in the sun.

“Even if you lose three games, the stadium is always still full. It is amazing. In Newcastle, everything is different for the people because it is passionate."

Juventus learn Sandro Tonali price tag

His public commitment to the Magpies has not been enough to deter the Italian media - until now. Tuttomercatoweb claim the package, including transfer fees and wages, to sign Tonali would total £150million.

Newcastle are in a strong negotiating position as the playmaker has three years remaining on his contract. For a club like Juventus, operating under tight financial margins, that would be too big a price to pay.

The Telegraph reported in December that Newcastle would demand at least £150million for Alexander Isak and Tonali’s price tag is in a similar ballpark. Toon chiefs are adamant on keeping the squad together, with the focus on the incomings after three lean windows.

Eddie Howe on Sandro Tonali wanting to repay Newcastle United

Howe told reporters ahead of Tonali’s return that he wants to repay the faith shown from the club and its fans. Winning the Carabao Cup and qualifying for the Champions League has already gone a long way to justifying that support.

“I don’t know if debt is the right word but Sandro will naturally feel he wants to repay everyone here for the trust we’ve shown in him when we signed him,” Howe said. “We’ve tried to support the human rather than ­treating him as a footballer, first and foremost.

“I’ve seen enough of Sandro (in training) all these months to back his ability. I still love the player.”

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