Newcastle United have officially confirmed the signing of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.
The 23-year-old is the first senior signing of the summer, and has signed a six-year deal with the Magpies.
Tonali becomes the most expensive Italian player ever, costing Newcastle a reported £55million. That fee makes him our second most expensive signing ever, although the figure is officially described as ‘undisclosed’ in the club’s announcement.
Eddie Howe has finally got the marquee midfielder that he has been looking for, and will be looking forward to deploying Tonali alongside the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. It has been reported that Howe plans to use his new signing in the ‘number eight role’, playing either side of Bruno.
Newcastle sign Tonali – the reaction
It is great to get our summer recruitment drive underway, especially with a player of Tonali’s quality. We have been looking at some elite midfielders whilst also working within a budget.
That has made things tricky, but it feels like we have got the best of both words with the Italy international – especially when you consider how much Arsenal are paying for Declan Rice. Toon officials believe they have signed a player who can be just as good as the England international, but for half the price.
Howe is delighted, and has spoke to the club’s official website about Newcastle’s newest recruit.
“I’m delighted to welcome Sandro to Newcastle United,” he said.
“He is an exceptional talent and has the mentality, physicality and technical attributes to be a great fit for us.
“At 23, Sandro already has important experience as a key player in one of Europe’s top leagues and in the Champions League, as well as playing for his country.
“But he also has the opportunity and potential to grow and evolve with us, and I’m excited to add him to our squad as we approach the exciting season ahead.”
What is next for Newcastle
Howe has been keen to add a defensive-minded midfielder to his squad, and he has now got that with Tonali.
Now the Magpies can focus their transfer efforts elsewhere, as they look to improve their squad and build on the incredible 2022/23 season.
Next on the agenda could be another midfielder, with Howe interested in signing a second ‘high calibre’ central option after Tonali.
The club are also looking to add depth at the back, and are interested in bringing in a new left-back and a right-sided centre-back to compete with Fabian Schar. Talks over a move for Southampton right-back Tino Livramento are also ongoing.
It remains to be seen who else will arrive at St James’ Park this summer, but Toon fans can now start counting down the days until they see Tonali make his competitive debut in a Newcastle shirt. That could come on August 12th, when the Magpies face Aston Villa in the opening game of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
Welcome, Sandro!
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
