Newcastle United remain calm regarding Sandro Tonali’s long-term future, according to a new report from the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope.
Hope wrote that “Newcastle did not know if Sandro Tonali wanted a new
deal, and as such formal talks were not taking place.” He added that the midfielder’s current contract “runs to, in effect, 2030,” which gives the club full control should interest arise next summer — “which it almost certainly will.”
Despite Tonali’s recent remarks about his future, Hope reported that the club is “relaxed” about the situation and believes the 24-year-old was simply being candid.
“There is a feeling he was trying to give an honest answer when pressed on it,” Hope wrote.
“I don’t want to say I want to stay here 10 years and in two years, three years, four years, five years I will go, Tonali told reporters of late. ”The last summer was tough for us, for Alex (Isak), but this is football. If you have an option for your life, for another team, you need to think about everything. I don’t want to say, ‘Yes, I want to stay here 10 years,’ but now I’m happy here. I don’t think anything about another team.”
Hope added that any movement toward a new deal would hinge on Newcastle’s progress this season.
“Should Tonali indicate he wants an improved deal, a lot will depend on the project Newcastle are delivering,” Hope wrote. Until the club’s “Premier League position improves and Champions League qualification becomes more likely,” discussions will likely “remain on an informal level.”
