A good couple of days got even better for Newcastle United fans on Wednesday morning after a Sandro Tonali bombshell landed.
Indeed, only hours after Eddie Howe’s side beat Benfica in the Champions League, positive news on Tonali’s long-term future at Newcastle United emerged.
It was widely believed that the Italian international was under contract until the summer of 2028. With no new deal forthcoming, the club faced the prospect of having one of their star players with only two years left on his contract at the end of the season.
After watching Alexander Isak leave with three years left on his deal earlier this summer, the idea of history repeating itself with Tonali was a concern.
However, such fears have been allayed.
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Newcastle United fans buzzing after Sandro Tonali contract reveal
According to The Athletic, Tonali secretly signed a contract extension during his ten-month ban from football between October 2023 and August 2024. He offered to take a pay-cut and that was accepted by the club.
The 25-year-old is under contract until 2029, but the club have the option to extend it by another 12 months, which effectively means his deal runs until 2030.
Naturally, fans on social media platform X were delighted.
“Greatest news I’ve ever heard, apart from when we signed him,” wrote one fan.
Another added: “Unbelievable news. Won’t lie I feared the worst for this summer with some of the biggest clubs in the world coming in for him. He’s world class and he’s here to stay.”
“One of the best if not the best player in this club. Deserves a pay rise no matter if that contract was signed during the ban,” was another comment.
How Sandro Tonali feels about his time at Newcastle United
The former AC Milan star has constantly been linked with a return to Serie A at some point in his career.
Juventus are often tipped as a potential landing spot but it’s difficult to see how they can convince Newcastle to sell, particularly with so long left on the midfielder’s contract.
Luckily for those on Tyneside, Tonali is happy at Newcastle despite the transfer links.
The player and his agents are said to value the loyalty the club showed towards him when he was banned from football for breaching betting rules.
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