Sandro Tonali is reportedly closing in on a move to Newcastle United.
The AC Milan midfielder is widely expected to become a Newcastle player in a big money deal as PIF flex their financial muscle.
Still, as promising as the news on Tonali has been, there has not yet been an official announcement.
While noted transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has stressed the deal is all but done, we are yet to see the 23-year-old donning the famous black and white kit.
Currently away on international duty, journalist Ben Jacobs has provided an update as to Newcastle’s stance on the announcement.
Why Newcastle are delaying announcing Sandro Tonali
Indeed, the midfielder is out in Georgia and Romania for the U-21 European Championships.
As such, Jacobs suggests decision-makers at St James’ Park are affording Tonali time to focus on that rather than acting as a distraction.
Speaking on the NUFC Matters with Steve Wraith YouTube show, Jacobs said: “The delay is just normal really because he is playing at the under-21 Euro’s at the moment and regardless of the July 1st thing, because you could announce it ahead of July 1st if you wanted to, but I think that from Newcastle’s perspective they just want to make sure there is no distraction at this point for the player.”
Newcastle adopting the right approach
Leaving the team he supported as a boy for a new club in a new country must be difficult.
Tonali has never played domestic football outside of Italy and is thought to be emotional about leaving.
That, frankly, is only natural. It’s a major life change whichever way you look at it, particularly for someone still relatively young.
With that in mind, Newcastle are adopting the right approach.
To not distract Tonali shows an element of care ahead of such a major shift in his lifestyle.
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