Sandro Tonali’s future at Newcastle United is back in the spotlight, and it doesn’t look good for Magpie fans hoping to watch him retire wearing black and white stripes.
Fresh comments from his agent, Giuseppe Riso, have made it clear that Newcastle, at least in Riso’s eyes—and with the likely acknowledgment of Tonali—are just a stopgap on the player’s way to another Premier League club.
The Italy international remains under contract on Tyneside until at least 2028, with the possibility of signing
a new deal with improved terms, but Riso’s remarks didn’t leave much doubt about what’s next.
Speaking to Italian outlet Calcio e Finanza, Riso revealed the reasons for Tonali’s 2023 move from AC Milan to Newcastle.
“The deal came about because a club like Newcastle with unlimited financial resources had decided to invest in Sandro,” Riso said. “We considered the idea of having the player play in a higher-level league.”
Riso then addressed the speculation linking Tonali with clubs such as Manchester City and Arsenal, making his future plans for the player crystal clear.
“Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player,” Riso said when asked about a potential exit from Tyneside. “I think he’s the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world.”
Riso referenced the upcoming World Cup as the final step to complete before moving away from Tyneside.
“If he shines at the World Cup, will City or Arsenal be hot on his heels? I don’t know… but it’s very likely,” Riso said. “Everyone is waiting for the World Cup; then a thousand scenarios will unfold, but it all kicks off after the World Cup.”
Chronicle Live is reporting that Newcastle officials are believed to be frustrated by the public nature of the comments.
“Newcastle United chiefs are believed to be frustrated with the latest batch of quotes from Sandro Tonali’s agent,” Lee Ryder wrote.
Tonali has not publicly indicated a desire to leave Newcastle, and he’s inked through the end of the 2028 season, allowing NUFC some maneuvering room without having to panic-sell this summer.
