Newcastle Face Tonali Exit as City and Madrid Circle | OneFootball

Tonali Future Uncertain as Italy Return Beckons

Sandro Tonali’s time at Newcastle United may be coming to an early end, as reports from the Di Tutto un Pod podcast suggest the Italian midfielder is eyeing a return to Serie A. The 24-year-old joined the Magpies last summer for a club-record £55 million from AC Milan, but has struggled to fully embed himself into English football following a ten-month suspension for breaching betting regulations.

Tonali’s performances since his return have been competent — and at times commanding — with a Carabao Cup winners’ medal a highlight. But now, whispers from within his camp suggest his heart remains firmly in Italy.

“He will return to Italy. When? It’s hard to say. That operation that brought him to England was extraordinary, I realise it caused discontent. Tonali, son of Milan, faith that is there and will remain forever, is sold for a record sum,” said his agent, Marianna Meccacci, in a revealing interview.

Photo: IMAGO

Madrid and City Monitor Situation

While Newcastle would be disappointed to lose such a high-profile signing so soon, they may not stand in Tonali’s way should he request a move. Interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City adds another layer of complexity. Both clubs are reported to be monitoring Tonali’s situation closely, with Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claiming a summer move could be on the cards.

This has understandably caused ripples on Tyneside. After such an investment and emotional build-up to his signing, Tonali was meant to be a cornerstone of Eddie Howe’s evolving midfield. His departure, should it happen, would leave a sizeable void in both creativity and character.

Newcastle Consider Eze as Successor

If Tonali does move on, Newcastle have already started identifying replacements. Sky Switzerland’s Sacha Tavolieri has linked the club with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. The England international has been in standout form this season and possesses the dynamism and flair that could slot into Howe’s system seamlessly.

Eze has a reported release clause of around £60 million — a price tag Newcastle are reportedly willing to meet, especially if funds are recouped through Tonali’s departure.

This interest aligns with the club’s growing desire to secure players with Premier League experience and the versatility to operate across midfield positions. Eze, with his dribbling prowess and tactical maturity, would certainly fit that mould.

Photo IMAGO

Cultural Pull of Italy Still Strong

Tonali’s return to Serie A seems increasingly likely — not just through agent rhetoric, but through the natural pull of heritage and comfort. His emotional ties to Milan and Italian football remain powerful. While he’s yet to confirm his intentions, the sentiment is clear.

“It was also a choice to try a new experience. As long as the opportunity of the Premier League is there, he will take advantage of it, but it is impossible to think that he’ll not return to Italian football,” Meccacci added.

That inevitability — paired with the lure of Europe’s elite clubs — could see Tonali’s Magpies story draw to a close far sooner than anyone anticipated.

Photo by IMAGO

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For Newcastle fans, this is tough to take — not just because Tonali is a superb footballer, but because his signing represented a statement. A player from AC Milan, in his prime, choosing Newcastle? It felt like a turning point.

But football hearts are hard to tame. If he never truly let go of Milan, maybe this day was always coming. His agent’s words don’t just hint at a return — they more or less confirm it. As supporters, we can only hope that if he does go, it’s handled with respect for the club and fans who backed him during difficult times.

The good news? Eberechi Eze would be a brilliant addition. He’s Premier League-proven, a joy to watch, and has that spark Newcastle sometimes lack when Bruno Guimarães isn’t on song. At £60 million, he’s not cheap, but in this market, he’s worth every penny.

Tonali gave us a glimpse of the future, but maybe that future lies elsewhere. Eze might just be the one to light up the next chapter.