Inside Sandro Tonali’s Newcastle deal: ‘These boys are coming to be part of history’
New York Times“We’re stepping up.” Inside Newcastle United, there is recognition that the deal to buy Sandro Tonali from AC Milan is a big one. Gazzetta described his defection as “a blow from the Devil, a real blow.” Tonali’s exit broke hearts in Milan but he is enthusiastic about helping Newcastle win trophies Yet that “stepping up,” comment, made by a senior figure at the very top of the club who spoke to The Athletic on condition of anonymity in order to protect relationships, came with caveats and context. “We’ve said it a thousand times — financial fair play is a restriction for us,” the senior figure says, pointing out that Howe’s squad will have to be trimmed of unwanted players in order to “make this work,” but their behaviour in the transfer market has consistently been grounded in common sense — more Scotswood than Hollywood. It is at this point in transfers that Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of PIF and Newcastle’s chairman, becomes “very much involved, when we‘ve researched the player and given our reasons why.” Green light given — the deal was driven by Ashworth, Nickson and Andy Howe, in conjunction with Newcastle’s head coach — there could be no leaks; coming so soon after the sacking of technical director Paolo Maldini, a club legend, selling Tonali was particularly sensitive for Milan, while Newcastle were desperate to avoid an auction.