Tonali agent plays down Newcastle exit as 2026 plan emerges

Sandro Tonali’s agent is deliberately cooling speculation around a Newcastle United exit, despite a longer-term plan already being sketched out behind the scenes with 2026 firmly in focus.

Italian reports suggest the midfielder’s future is far more strategic than recent headlines imply, with Tonali intent on timing his next move carefully rather than forcing an immediate departure from St James’ Park.

According to Calciomercato, Tonali harbours a clear ambition to return to Italy, but not before completing a specific roadmap. The idea is for the 25-year-old to finish the current season strongly, help Newcastle secure European qualification, and re-establish himself as a central figure for Italy heading into the 2026 World Cup.

That vision frames 2026 as a defining year — one in which Tonali wants to be a “fully-fledged protagonist” at both club and international level.

Despite those underlying ambitions, Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso has been careful in public. While he has acknowledged that Tonali is open to a future move, he has avoided adding fuel to the growing speculation.

Italian sources describe Riso as being “more cautious than ever”, deliberately lowering the temperature around exit rumours while discussions remain internal.

Privately, however, the situation is more nuanced. Newcastle are expected to hold talks with Tonali this summer, and Riso has already admitted that the club would find it difficult to let him go.

Tonali remains a key player for Eddie Howe, and Newcastle are in no rush to sell. Any exit would require what Italian media describe as a “satisfactory financial offer”, with reports in England placing his valuation at around €80m.

That figure could rise further if interest comes from another Premier League club such as Arsenal. Conversely, failure to qualify for Europe could weaken Newcastle’s position, potentially giving Tonali leverage to argue for a lower asking price.

Tonali is understood to have a preferred destination if he does return to Serie A: a top-level club capable of competing for titles. AC Milan, where he previously starred, would appeal, but have shown no concrete interest so far and would face major hurdles in negotiations.

Juventus remain the most persistent suitors, having explored a deal last summer and made a limited effort again in January. Napoli are also monitoring the situation.

Any Italian move would require compromise. Tonali would almost certainly need to accept a significant salary reduction, with Juventus, for example, operating under a €6m annual wage cap — €1–2m below his current earnings in England.

Tonali is expected to remain focused on Newcastle for the rest of the season, with any concrete movement likely to wait until summer discussions. Much may depend on Newcastle’s European fate and whether an Italian giant can assemble a financially viable proposal.

Should Tonali prioritise a return to Serie A in his prime — or is staying in the Premier League the better path toward his 2026 ambitions?