The true fee Newcastle United paid for Sandro Tonali revealed - worth the money?

The San Siro giants released their latest accounts earlier this week and details were spilled on the big-money deal. At the time, the Magpies were rumoured to have paid between £50million to £75million for the Italian international.

Official accounts now show that fee - at least initially - to be slightly below those estimates. The eventual figure could rise depending on clauses being met, a reality that likely has not happened given last season’s controversy.

Tonali was banned for 10 months just 12 games into his Toon career for breaching betting regulations. Italian authorities slapped the midfielder with a lengthy suspension - derailing Newcastle’s season in the process.

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He is now back in action but supporters have been frustrated by how Eddie Howe has handled the 24-year-old. Tonali is yet to play an entire 90 minutes since returning from his ban - and the away end booed when he was subbed at Chelsea on the weekend.

Questions have begun being asked about how Newcastle can get Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton into the same midfield. Howe was grilled by the media before last night’s clash with Chelsea - insisting Tonali must add goals to his game.

“There’s more to come from not just Sandro,” he said. “Of course, there is more to come from him and the whole team. More from him means more influence on the game.

"Technically, he is an outstanding player. To see that technical ability we want him to get the ball more. Playing as a No 8 we need more of a goal threat too. That is such a key thing for the players in those positions. We have struggled for goals as a team. We need goals from every angle. Everyone has to contribute."

As it stands, Newcastle’s £48.9million has not been justified given the lack of action last season. Performances in 2024-25 are also yet to convince - although few are writing the Italian off as he is eased into the team.