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Pjanic endorsement fuels Juventus interest in Tonali return

Juventus’ long-standing admiration for Sandro Tonali has been given fresh momentum after Miralem Pjanic publicly backed a move that would bring the Italy international back to Serie A. While no formal approach has been made, the comments have sharpened focus on a transfer that continues to sit firmly on the club’s strategic radar.

Tonali remains under contract at Newcastle United and is regarded as a cornerstone of their midfield. However, Juventus’ interest has never fully cooled, and the alignment of internal opinion at the Allianz Stadium suggests the idea is being kept alive, even if the financial and sporting conditions are not yet in place.

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Juventus strategy around Tonali

Juventus have spent the past two seasons reshaping their midfield profile, prioritising players who combine physical resilience with tactical intelligence. Tonali fits that brief neatly. Club sources indicate that he has been viewed as a long-term solution rather than an immediate acquisition, largely due to the scale of investment required to prise him away from the Premier League.

The midfielder’s move from AC Milan to England placed him outside Juventus’ reach at the time, both in terms of transfer fee and salary. Since then, his standing has only grown. He has adapted quickly to the pace and intensity of English football, reinforcing the perception that he could return to Italy as a more complete player.

Juventus’ recruitment department is understood to be monitoring situations across Europe that could shift market dynamics. Any future move for Tonali would depend on a combination of Newcastle’s stance, the player’s own ambitions, and Juventus’ ability to structure a deal that aligns with their evolving financial framework.

Pjanic view on midfield fit

Pjanic’s intervention has resonated precisely because of his understanding of what Juventus traditionally demand from a central midfielder. Speaking in Italy, the former Juventus playmaker made it clear that he sees Tonali as an ideal fit for the club’s identity, praising his reading of the game, leadership qualities and ability to dictate tempo.

From a tactical perspective, Tonali offers versatility. He is comfortable operating as a deep-lying organiser but also has the energy to press higher up the pitch. That blend is particularly valued in Serie A, where Juventus continue to seek balance between control and intensity in central areas.

Pjanic’s comments are not viewed internally as a trigger for immediate action, but they do echo assessments already held within the club. His endorsement has instead reinforced confidence that, should circumstances align, Tonali would be capable of stepping straight into a demanding environment in Turin.

Newcastle stance and transfer realities

Newcastle have no intention of selling a player they consider central to their project. Tonali’s importance on and off the pitch is reflected in his contract terms, and any negotiation would start from a position of strength for the Premier League side.

That said, modern football rarely deals in absolutes. Juventus are acutely aware that situations can change quickly, whether through shifts in sporting objectives, financial pressures or player preference. A return to Serie A has not been ruled out by Tonali in the past, and Juventus are positioning themselves as a natural destination should that scenario emerge.

For now, the situation remains one of watchful patience rather than active pursuit. Juventus are unlikely to test Newcastle’s resolve without a clear signal that a deal could be explored on realistic terms.

Long-term implications for Juventus

The Tonali discussion speaks to a broader theme at Juventus: the desire to reassert themselves domestically while building a squad capable of sustained European competitiveness. Targeting players with proven international pedigree and leadership qualities remains central to that plan.

Pjanic’s endorsement has not altered Juventus’ immediate transfer priorities, but it has added weight to a narrative that refuses to disappear. Tonali continues to be seen as a midfielder who could anchor the team for years, providing continuity and identity in a key area of the pitch.

Whether that vision ever materialises will depend on timing as much as intent. For now, Juventus are content to keep their interest alive, confident that circumstances can evolve, and reassured by the backing of a former player who understands exactly what it takes to thrive in black and white.