Newcastle United are still yet to officially announce the arrival of Sandro Tonali, but that could soon be about to change.
The Magpies agreed a deal to sign the Italian midfielder last week, with Newcastle set to pay a huge fee to bring him from AC Milan to St James’ Park.
A deal worth £55million is pretty much complete, which will make Tonali the club’s second most expensive player ever.
All that is needed is official confirmation, but that has been put on hold due to the Under-21 European Championship, where Tonali is captaining Italy – until now.
They were shockingly knocked out of the competition on Wednesday night, which should accelerate the 23-year-old’s move to Newcastle.
Italy exit means Newcastle can now complete Sandro Tonali transfer
Before Italy were eliminated, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie stated on Wednesday that Tonali ‘will travel to Tyneside to wrap up his transfer to Newcastle once Italy U21s Euros participation is over’.
Hours later and it was over.
Following Italy’s exit, Downie added on Twitter that he now expects the move to ‘accelerate’.
That is great news for Toon fans, who are eager to see this deal be completed. It could also mean Tonali soon has the chance to address fans and don the famous black and white stripes for the first time.
Then he will likely go on holiday, as his 2022/23 season has only just came to an end. He needs a lengthy break after a long campaign, and must return energised and ready to thrive under Eddie Howe – and that is when the hard work will really start.
Newcastle have already earmarked two areas they want Tonali to improve in. They know he needs to be stronger and fitter to thrive in Howe’s side, and that is why pre-season is going to be very important.
It is obviously a shame that his Italy side have been knocked out of the Under-21 Euros early, but it should benefit Newcastle as it means Tonali will get to work with his new teammates sooner than first anticiated.
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