Sandro Tonali‘s move to Newcastle United has been in the spotlight as of late. But not entirely for the best of reasons. The Magpies made an audacious bid for the midfielder a few weeks ago, which is said to be in the $75 million region excluding add-ons. Spearheaded by manager Eddie Howe, AC Milan ended up accepting the offer. Following this, Tonali flew out to Tyneside and received a tour of the facilities.
Accompanied by his girlfriend Juliette Pastore, the 23-year-old was shown around St James’ Park by club staff.
After completing media duties, Tonali was also given a tour of the training facilities. Naturally, this included a visit to the team gym. Footage of their visit has since gone viral, with fans claiming that Tonali was in no mood to join Newcastle in the first place.
Tonali in a years time:
This is too cold for me Newcastle i want to go back home in milano. pic.twitter.com/IoVGtbTUcc
— عاصمة كرة القدم🇶🇦 (@QatariFC) July 6, 2023
These suggestions are a result of multiple factors, and all of them have to do with the uncertainty on Tonali’s face.
Be it during his presentation, or while strolling around St James’ Park, the Italian looks far from overjoyed. Many fans online have felt the same, leading to claims that the midfielder was forced out of AC Milan.
Milan fully cashed in on a player who didn’t wanna leave lmao https://t.co/QY24LBMsWG
— MM7 (@Ic3Evaa) July 9, 2023
It’s funny because you’ve got Newcastle fans absolutely over the moon about signing him, telling all of us how big of a club they are. But he literally doesn’t want to be there in the slightest. He was forced out of Milan 💀 https://t.co/m2lnvwHNLR
— ¨̮ (@depressionftbl) July 9, 2023
Can’t blame the fella. Was at his boyhood club living the dream in Milan, and got forced to move to Newcastle of all places. https://t.co/D160HUiUqn
— Rex 🏴 (@ThatRexGuy) July 10, 2023
Why would Newcastle want a player who so obviously doesn’t want to be there? https://t.co/elBJwrXab8
— Carson (@WC_LFC_Torres) July 9, 2023
Its Robinho to City all over again, he absolutely does not wanna be there 🤣 https://t.co/IFNZ7glCxM
— Josh 🧣 (@josha1995_) July 10, 2023
The suggestions returned after a clip featuring Tonali’s reaction to the club’s gym emerged online. As seen in it. the player’s partner suggests that Newcastle’s gym was bigger than the one in Milan. Tonali quickly rebukes the claim, stating that the Rossoneri’s was bigger. His immediate response led to another barrage of reactions claiming that Tonali is done with the club already.
How much will Sandro Tonali earn at Newcastle United?
Newcastle has made Tonali the most expensive Italian player of all time, reportedly paying a financial package worth $75 million plus add-ons for the player. His contract at the club is similarly lucrative.
Sandro Tonali and Newcastle have now reached agreement on personal terms for €8m salary net per season plus €2m add-ons. ⚪️⚫️ #NUFC
Contract will be valid until June 2029, waiting for the two clubs to complete their final agreement on €70m deal structure/add-ons. pic.twitter.com/4GriT0frZ7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2023
Tonali’s deal will run until 2029, with the 23-year-old netting $7.7 million annually. Some bonuses in his contract can see him earn an additional $2.2 million. In contrast, his time at AC Milan saw him earn just $3.2 million annually.