Newcastle rocked as star man ‘puts himself on the transfer market’

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali appears to have put himself up for sale by admitting that he has an exit plan from St James’ Park.

After losing striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool in the summer after the Sweden international went on strike, manager Eddie Howe faces the possibility of more transfer market drama following Tonali’s admission that he does not see his long-term future on Tyneside.

Instead, he has set himself up for a return for Serie A after making an announcement that Corriere della Sera says is akin to ‘putting himself on the market’.

What did Tonali say?

Speaking after Newcastle’s Premier League win over Athletic Club, he said: “I won’t stay at Newcastle United for 10 years.

“It’s a difficult question because in football you have to think season by season. I don’t want to say that I’ll stay here ten years and then perhaps leave in two or three. I only want to think about myself.”

Tonali’s stance is bound to be controversial after Newcastle stood by him during a prolonged ban for gambling, even giving him a secret new contract during this period.

He added: “The extension happened during the suspension for the ban. I don’t know why everyone is talking about it as if it were recent. In 2023, the club discussed with me and my agent. I signed because I trust this team and the club trusts me – so we agreed to work together.”

Will Tonali leave in January?

Tonali, who is under contract until 2029 with a club option of one more year, will more probably remain at Newcastle until at least the summer, with the Italian source stating that any January switch is unlikely.

The Magpies, meanwhile, have put an asking price of €100 million on the midfielder’s head – nearly twice the fee they spent on him. Sky Sports reports there is no release clause in his current deal.

Juventus would love to take him back to Serie A but lack the financial means to complete a move, while Tonali has reportedly told friends that one day he would love to return to AC Milan.

His problem, though, is that only top Premier League clubs would be able to afford a deal, making his departure from Newcastle all the more complicated.