‘Big surprise’: Newcastle have signed a player who could be a ‘good investment’

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Newcastle’s acquisition of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan has been questioned due to the finances involved, but journalist Nicky Bandini has explained why it could be an excellent investment.

The 23-year-old joined for around £55m as Newcastle’s marquee signing of the summer, but some have questioned the huge fee paid for the Italy international.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Bandini explained how Tonali vastly improved from his difficult first season in Milan, and his development into a key player at the San Siro shows that he could be a worthwhile long-term investment.

“Tonali was a big surprise, especially with the price,” she stated.

“I think right now he’s a step behind (Nico Barella), but I think what really makes you think it can be a good investment is the way things played out for him when he arrived at Milan when he first came there from Brescia.

“There was the first season where things really didn’t go at all how you thought they would. And three seasons later, he goes as a player for whom the Champions League was the great making of this year.

“You saw even as they exited the Champions League to Inter, their rivals. He was the one raging against the dying of the light. He was the one carrying that team, he was the one who really had that energy and fight about him, and I think the attitude, the work ethic, the way he’s improved in three years, there is what Newcastle are buying.”

Is Tonali a good investment?

Tonali made 130 appearances for Milan since joining from Brescia in 2020, and became one of their most important players as the Rossoneri reached the Champions League semi-finals last season.

At just 23, he has significant experience in Europe, which will be crucial for Eddie Howe’s side as they return to the Champions League for the first time in over 20 years.

Whilst he might not be the finished product yet, he has the technical quality and leadership skills to become a key player for Newcastle for years, and arriving with the status as vice-captain of one of the biggest clubs in Europe means he would naturally command a high fee.

Even if he does take time to settle, his experience at Milan shows that he has the tools to be able to improve over time and establish himself as an important part of the team.