By Park Ji-won Reporter= Newcastle United has signed Sandro Tonali (23).
Newcastle announced the signing of Tonali through the club’s website on March 3 (KST), saying, “We are delighted to announce the signing of Tonali. He has signed until June 2028. Welcome to Newcastle,” the club officially announced.
European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano commented: “Tonali joins Newcastle for a transfer fee of €70 million, including add-ons. AC Milan will retain a 10% sell-on clause.”
Italian midfielder Tonali grew up at Brescia Calcio. He was approached by AC Milan at a young age after playing as a key resource and joined the San Siro on loan. He wore the number 8 shirt of Gennaro Gattuso, one of Tonali’s role models.
In his first season, he was criticized for not performing as well as expected. His passing and activity didn’t match his strengths. However, 메이저놀이터 추천 Tonali began to soar in the 2021-22 season. He showed off his strengths of kicking, dribbling, technique, and movement. Now rated as a hexagonal midfielder, it’s hard to see any particular weaknesses. This has earned him the nickname ‘the next Andrea Pirlo’.
Tonali re-signed in September 2022, extending his contract until the summer of 2027. As such, he was expected to anchor AC Milan’s midfield in the 2023-24 season.
However, that quickly changed when Newcastle showed interest. The Magpies were looking to sign a top-flight midfielder in the summer transfer window, and after landing on Tonali, they quickly swooped in with a huge transfer fee and personal terms. According to Romano, the transfer fee is in the region of €70 million and the salary is €7 million base plus €2 million in bonuses. That translates to a weekly wage of 240 million won.
Upon confirming his move to Newcastle, Tonali said: “I want to repay the trust by giving my all on the pitch, as I always do. I’m really excited to play at St. James’ Park. I can’t wait to feel the passion of the fans.”