Sandro Tonali has been one of Newcastle United’s standout players since returning from his ban in August.
The Italian will have undoubtedly been chomping at the bit to return to Newcastle’s first-team squad after being forced to watch from afar, despite signing for a hefty fee the season before.
Sandro Tonali has proven why Newcastle were right to spend £55m on him in 2023 this season. He has completely transformed the way Eddie Howe plays, opening up new opportunities for other players.
Bruno Guimaraes has benefitted from Tonali’s involvement – the 24-year-old plays in a deeper midfield role that allows the Brazilian much more freedom to push forward and play with the ball – knowing he has support behind him if need be.
Wednesday was a night to forget for Tonali who started in Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. He gave away the ball which began the attack for the Reds’ second. Howe subtly slated Guimaraes and Tonali for their performances in midfield.
There is no doubt he will be eager to redeem himself in Sunday’s FA Cup clash against Brighton at St James’ Park. Newcastle fans love Tonali, and the Italian’s recent comments reflect how much he also loves them.
Sandro Tonali’s wish for Newcastle fans
Howe is also a big fan of Tonali, recently hailing his off-the-ball work as ‘high-level’. So far this season, the Italian has played 32 games in all competitions, scoring three and bagging two assists including a brace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals against Brentford.
There have been rumours of a possible exit for Tonali, with Juventus reportedly interested in the midfielder in January. However, the Italian has shut down those rumours himself, stating how much he loves Newcastle.
Talking to La Repubblica about his future, Tonali said: “I’ve grown, discovered a new country, a new style of football, and a new language. I have no regrets.
“The idea of returning to Milan one day is there, but it’s not the first thing on my mind when I wake up in the morning.”
Recent reports have also suggested that Tonali wants to repay Newcastle for the support they showed him throughout his ban, even though talk of his exit persisted.
It was claimed that Juventus were offering Douglas Luiz for Tonali, an unfair trade based on how much the Brazilian has featured for the Old Lady this season.
On the Juventus links, Tonali said: “My agents and I have never even talked about it.
“And I know from experience that if you don’t reach that stage, there’s nothing concrete. Besides, I feel good here. I’ve found my path, and there’s no need to disrupt it again. I want to win for Newcastle fans; soon, we’ll have our first chance at Wembley.”
Sandro Tonali can give Newcastle fans immense joy at Wembley
While Wednesday’s game was the dress rehearsal, Newcastle can still change the narrative and finish the story in the Carabao Cup final in March.
Tonali can be a big part of Newcastle’s success. Despite the loss, the Italian will have learned what he needs to do to stop the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.
A boost for Howe is that he should have his full-strength midfield back for the cup final. Joelinton has been out since the beginning of February with a knee problem but was believed to be ‘close’ to a return against Liverpool.
Newcastle were expected to lose against Liverpool on Wednesday, but the story could be completely different on neutral ground. The Magpies have a much stronger squad than they did in the 2023 final and those behind the scenes have learned a lot about how to approach the game off the back of last time.
Fans are eager to talk about Newcastle’s trophy history in a positive light. Tonali could etch himself into the club’s history books by doing what he needs in the final.
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