Newcastle United star wants to return to former club in major move | OneFootball

Tonali’s Honest Reflection and Growing Transfer Noise

Sandro Tonali rarely deals in vague statements, and his latest reflections have once again placed him centre stage in the ongoing narrative around his future. Corriere Della Sera captured a candid and at times starkly reflective version of the midfielder, one who has lived significant highs and lows since leaving Milan for Newcastle in 2023. What emerges is a portrait of a player who remains ambitious, emotionally connected to his past and realistic about the volatility of modern football.

Tonali’s Measured Outlook on His Newcastle Future

Tonali’s admission, «Non resterò 10 anni al Newcastle», has resonated widely in England and Italy. He elaborates, «È una domanda difficile perché nel calcio bisogna pensare stagione dopo stagione. Non voglio dire che resterò qui dieci anni e poi magari fra due o tre andarmene. Voglio pensare solo a me stesso».

Photo: IMAGO

The directness of that message cut deep for some Newcastle supporters and it is easy to understand why. The club committed to him even during his suspension, granting a renewal until 2029 and senior figures at St James Park reportedly expected long term loyalty in return. Tonali clarified the timing of that extension: «Il prolungamento è avvenuto durante la sospensione a causa della squalifica, non so perché la scorsa settimana tutti ne abbiano parlato come se fosse recente, nel 2023 il club aveva discusso con me e con il mio agente. Ho firmato perché ho fiducia in questa squadra e la società ce l’ha in me, perciò avevamo concordato di lavorare insieme».

It is a reasonable explanation, but his comments after Newcastle’s 2-0 Champions League win over Athletic Bilbao still landed with a jolt, particularly for a fanbase that has stood behind him through a difficult spell.

Market Dynamics and Isak’s Influence

Tonali referenced Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool as an example of football’s unpredictability. His words about the Swedish forward were striking: «L’estate scorsa è stata difficile per noi, per Alex, ma questo è il calcio. Se hai un’opzione nella tua vita, un’altra squadra che ti cerca, devi pensare a tutto».

This additional line from those close to Tonali reinforces the mood: “Sandro has always understood that nothing in this sport stays fixed for long, not for players and not for clubs.”

His stance feels pragmatic rather than provocative. He is content now, yet unwilling to sign his future away verbally, especially given how turbulent the past two years have been for him.

Turin and Milan Interest Continues

Interest from Juventus persists and Corriere Della Sera reports nostalgia for Milan lingers in private conversations. The numbers are significant. Newcastle paid 58.9 million for him and reportedly set a 100 million valuation last summer. That price is prohibitive for an in season move, yet the landscape could shift dramatically by June.

As one source close to Milan reportedly noted, “If he becomes available at the right moment, Milan would never ignore the possibility of a reunion.”

Tonali will be one of the most monitored names heading into the next market cycle. His performances, his comfort in England and Newcastle’s broader project will all factor into what becomes one of the Premier League’s biggest summer narratives.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an excited and expectant football supporter’s perspective, Tonali’s comments feel like the start of a storyline that will dominate the next transfer window. Newcastle fans will understandably be concerned because he did not push back against the possibility of a move a year or two down the line. When a player openly says he cannot commit to ten years and admits he wants to think only about himself, that creates a sense that something is shifting beneath the surface.

Supporters across Europe will be watching closely. Juventus fans will smell opportunity because Tonali fits their cultural and tactical identity perfectly. Milan fans will be buzzing at even the faintest suggestion that he would like to return. They never truly accepted his departure and this will reignite belief that a reunion might be achievable if the planets align.

From a Premier League perspective, Liverpool’s acquisition of Isak has added fuel to the fire around Tonali’s wider situation. If another top English club decides to get involved, the numbers could escalate quickly. The midfield market is always tight and clubs with Champions League plans will view Tonali as a high ceiling asset, someone who can dictate tempo and elevate standards.

In short, this story feels like it is building momentum and supporters everywhere can sense it. Next summer could be explosive.