AC Milan could now offer German star as bait to Newcastle United to secure Sandro Tonali reunion

Add as preferred source on Google

AC Milan are keen on seeing Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali return to Italy.

Newcastle have thrived in recent weeks, some of that can be put down to a tactical change from Toon boss Eddie Howe.

Tonali is now playing in a deeper midfield role allowing Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton to play with more freedom. His progressive passing suits Howe’s style of play and has garnered praise from Alan Shearer in recent weeks.

Tonali returned from a 10-month suspension in August but it felt like he hadn’t missed a beat as he played a part in a Joe Willock strike less than a minute into his return against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup.

Since Tonali’s joined Newcastle in 2023, there has been speculation over his future with reports suggesting he would move back to AC Milan but posts on social media suggest he is happy at the club and will stay on Tyneside throughout 2025.

However, a recent transfer update suggests that Milan is willing to offer a former Newcastle target to bring Tonali back to Italy.

AC Milan to offer Newcastle Malick Thiaw in swap deal

Newcastle wanted Malick Thiaw in the summer but failed to meet Milan’s valuation of the defender who has represented Germany on three occasions.

The Magpies have targeted Milan defender Fikayo Tomori who fell out of favour with previous manager Paolo Fonseca and could be available for around £31.5million in January.

Now, according to MilanLive, the Serie A giants are willing to offer Thiaw plus cash in an effort to bring Tonali back to the club.

The report suggests that as well as Thiaw, a cash supplement of £12.4m would be included in the deal to try and tempt Newcastle into agreeing.

Thiaw has made 14 appearances across Serie A and the Champions League this season but Milan has struggled in the Italian top flight as of late. They sit eighth in the table, eight points off a spot in Europe’s top competition.

Thaiw compared to Newcastle defenders

Should Thiaw sign, he would come in as a replacement for Fabian Schar who is now 33 and out of contract at the end of the season.

Schar has been a key part of Newcastle’s success this season – the Swiss international has helped the Magpies keep four consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League and will aim for a fifth as they visit Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Thaiw is right-footed, meaning he would be the perfect fit for Schar’s position should he leave or be dropped to the bench. The 33-year-old is out of contract in the summer – Howe must now look towards signing his replacement.