Sandro Tonali could leave Newcastle United this summer if one key condition is not met, according to The Gazette.
The outlet reports that the midfielder and his representatives believe there is a “gentleman’s agreement” in place with the club regarding his future.
The Gazette states that if Newcastle fail to qualify for European football next season, the club would consider offers for Tonali.
“The Gazette can exclusively reveal the Magpies’ midfielder, and his representatives, believe they have a ‘gentleman’s
agreement’ in place with the club,” the report says. “They understand that should Newcastle fail to qualify for Europe next season, they currently sit 12th in the division, the club will consider offers for the player, who, until recently, was seen by many as untouchable.“
According to the report, Tonali expects to leave Tyneside if Europe is not secured. Conversely, a strong finish to the campaign could increase the likelihood of him staying.
The Gazette also referenced previous comments made by Tonali in November following a Champions League win over Bilbao.
“In football you need to think year on year,” Tonali said. “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. I want to think, just for me, year on year. This is football. 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.”
The report claims Newcastle will not repeat last summer’s handling of Alexander Isak’s situation, letting it drag all summer and ultimately forcing the club into panic-purchases that have backfired massively in Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade.
Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked with Tonali in recent months, and even if the supposed agreement is in place, it’s fair to assume the Magpies will place a humongous price tag on the Italy international.
