Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali on Monday for a reported £60 million fee that will make the most expensive Italian player of all time.
Tonali moved to Milan from Brescia in 2020. He helped the team win its first Serie A championship in ten years in 2022 and get to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.
But Milan and Tonali couldn’t refuse the money offered by the Premier League as Newcastle made their first big move of the transfer window.
The Saudi sovereign wealth fund owns the Magpies, and they will play in the Champions League again for the first time in 20 years.
“He is an exceptional talent and has the mentality, physicality and technical attributes to be a great fit for us,” said Newcastle manager Eddie Howe in a club statement.
“At 23, Sandro already has important experience as a key player in one of Europe’s top leagues and in the Champions League, as well as playing for his country.”
✍️ We are delighted to announce the signing of Sandro Tonali from @acmilan.
The 23-year-old joins the Magpies for an undisclosed fee and has agreed a contract at St. James’ Park initially until 2028.
Welcome to Newcastle United, Sandro! 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/BbxrNUzVNo
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 3, 2023
Tonali, who has played 15 times for Italy, is also Milan’s biggest sale ever.
“First of all, I want to thank Newcastle United because they are giving me a huge opportunity for my career,” said Tonali.
“I want to repay the trust on the pitch, giving it my all, as I always have. I’m really excited about playing at St. James Park. I can’t wait to feel the warmth of the fans.”
Toonali. ⚫️⚪️
Let's go. 👊 pic.twitter.com/rpGaDl8KHC
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 3, 2023
Tonali is the second player Newcastle has brought in this window. The first was Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh, who came from Danish team Odense and is now on loan at Feyenoord.
