Newcastle offer definitive update on Sandro Tonali after ‘gentleman’s deal’ claim
Reliable journalist Luke Edwards has shared an update this evening on claims that Sandro Tonali has a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to leave Newcastle this summer.
Sandro Tonali’s ‘Sandro Tonali deal’ sparks Newcastle reaction
It’s been a week that pretty much sums up what Eddie Howe and Newcastle are up to off the pitch.
The 7-2 defeat at Barcelona is still fresh, the Sunderland derby horror is still fresh – and, as if to ensure there is no peace during the international break, a bombshell from the Shields Gazette arrived today to send Tyneside fans into another spin.
Reporter Liam Kennedy broke the story exclusively: Sandro Tonali and his representatives believe they have a gentleman’s agreement with Newcastle that would allow him to leave this summer if the club fail to qualify for European football.
The claim was clear and specific.
Should the Magpies finish the season in the middle of the Premier League wilderness – currently sitting in 12th place, seven points from the top five – the club, according to Tonali and his camp, will consider offers for the player who was considered untouchable.
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They beat Mantshinga.
Conference League football, the story added, won’t even be enough to keep him.
Only getting the Champions League or the Europa League can secure his stay.
The timing feels deliberate. Newcastle are already preparing for a difficult summer with Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes also attracting interest, and the suggestion that their latest high-profile signing has successfully negotiated an exit has added an unnecessary layer of anxiety.
Arsenal, Man United, Manchester City and Liverpool have been linked with Tonali, who is worth around £100m.
His agent Giuseppe Riso has also been keeping the noise down, saying publicly in recent weeks that a move to the Premier League title contenders is “very possible.”
The Gazette article referred to Newcastle’s determination to avoid a repeat of the Alexander Isak situation – an incident last summer which the club privately regrets – as reinforcing Tonali’s belief that they will honor the arrangement.
It was compelling, but within hours, Newcastle moved to shut it down.
Luke Edwards shares Sandro Tonali’s update after the gentleman’s deal claim
Telegraph reporter Luke Edwards – one of the most reliable voices on all things Newcastle – reported this evening that a club official had spoken directly to the media, stating in no uncertain terms that there was no gentleman’s agreement.
There is no plan in place, there has been no contact with interested clubs, and Tonali has never expressed a desire to leave.
Edwards was careful to add appropriate context.
Denial doesn’t mean Tonali will stay. It doesn’t close the door entirely, but it strongly rejects the idea of some sort of previously agreed back door exit, and ensures that Newcastle retain full control of the situation rather than allowing the narrative to move forward.
What this episode shows is how the traffic noise at St James’ Park has almost died down.
Every week this month, it seems, brings a new story linking a key Newcastle player to another club.
Gordon went to Liverpool, Guimaraes to United, and now Tonali in what feels like part of the Premier League and a few of Europe’s giants.
There are seven league games left, and Newcastle need a strong finish to have any hope of qualifying for Europe at all.
For now, the focus should be back on the field.
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