Sandro Tonali is set to join the Premier League as he makes his way to England to join Newcastle on a record deal. The highly-rated Italian defensive midfielder is making the move, capturing attention in the soccer world.
Newcastle United, who secured a commendable 3rd place finish last season, is bolstering their squad by acquiring one of Serie A‘s promising talents.
Sandro Tonali has showcased sensational form for AC Milan in recent seasons. He will join Newcastle as they prepare for their return to the UEFA Champions League.
Newcastle has signed Sandro Tonali on a record deal, which is reportedly the highest amount ever paid for an Italian player. As for the contract, Sandro Tonali will be joining Newcastle on a yearly wage of $7.7 million, with an additional $2.2 million worth of add-ons. The contract duration will span six years, until 2029.
How much did Newcastle United pay for Tonali?
Newcastle coughed up a hefty sum to secure the services of the Italian International, making it the record sale ever for an Italian player.
Newcastle is paying a fee of $77 Million, along with undisclosed add-ons. Additionally, AC Milan will have a sell-on clause on Tonali for any future sales of the player.
View this post on Instagram
Tonali played a crucial role for AC Milan last season. He contributed to their journey to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. He also helped them secure a fourth-place finish in Serie A.
Tonali made 34 appearances for Milan in the 2022-23 Serie A season. He scored 2 goals and provided 7 assists from the midfield position.
How Sandro Tonali will fit into Newcastle’s lineup?
Sandro Tonali is the solution to a major gap in the Newcastle squad, which is the CDM position. The 23-year-old is expected to seamlessly fit into the base of the midfield.
At 6 feet tall, Tonali brings an imposing presence that will provide added protection to Newcastle’s back line. Newcastle’s fans have every reason to be excited. Tonali’s arrival will grant more freedom to their Brazilian midfielder, Bruno Guimarães.
With Tonali’s presence, Bruno can venture further up the midfield to support Newcastle’s attackers. Tonali’s contribution is not limited to defense alone. In the previous season, he created more chances in Serie A than any other U23 player, with a total of 62.
22 – Sandro Tonali created 22 chances in the UEFA Champions League last season, the most by a Milan player in a single campaign since Clarence Seedorf in 2006-07 (24). Premium. pic.twitter.com/Wyz0T0qQ37
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 23, 2023
Tonali is a welcome addition to Eddie Howe’s side. They have been utilizing a makeshift duo of Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães as a double pivot for their midfield.
Soccer enthusiasts view Tonali as the missing piece for the midfield, and they anticipate that, at the young age of 23, he will remain a mainstay at Newcastle for a long time.