REPORT: Staff in Newcastle report a significant impact from an incident in October.
If Sandro Tonali had been available, Newcastle United’s season may have been quite different.
The Italian midfielder was the Magpies’ biggest summer signing, costing £55 million from AC Milan. It was a spectacular transfer, and Sandro Tonali became Newcastle United’s second most expensive player in history.
It was shocking to see Newcastle sign an elite player from a Champions League rival like AC Milan, demonstrating the club’s pulling power since the ownership shift at St James’ Park.
Tonali was the fourth megastar to arrive on Tyneside, after Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sven Botman. The move was another statement of intent from the Toon owners, but it has so far failed.
Sandro Tonali is currently banned for betting breaches.
That is because Tonali has not appeared for Newcastle United since October 25th, 2023. He came off the bench in the Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund at home and hasn’t played since.
The day after the game, the Italian Football Federation stated that the 23-year-old would serve a 10-month penalty after being probed for betting.
The decision shook Newcastle’s season, and there is now renewed anxiety that he could be suspended for even longer due to an FA probe. However, it does not appear that will be the case.
The Magpies have struggled in the midfield without him. They’ve been without their most expensive midfielder ever, and many of his teammates have been injured. Joe Willock, Joelinton, and Elliot Anderson have been long-term absentees, while Sean Longstaff has been forced to play despite his lack of fitness.
Tonali’s suspension has eventually resulted in Lewis Miley receiving his chance, and the teenager has been required to play a lot of football at the juvenile age of 17.
How Newcastle feels internally about the implications of Sandro Tonali’s suspension
While Miley’s breakthrough has been a beneficial outcome of the Tonali problem, it has ultimately disrupted Newcastle United’s season.
That is according to the Athletic, who spoke with a club insider regarding Tonali’s suspension and how it has affected the 2023/24 season.
The individual informed the Athletic that Tonali’s suspension has ‘totally —— us’ and has given Newcastle ‘massive, huge troubles’.
When Tonali can return to play for Newcastle.
With Tonali’s suspension, Harvey Barnes’ injury, and Lewis Hall’s position, Newcastle’s summer transfer activity has failed to make a significant impact. As a result, the team is entering its busiest season in years with virtually the same roster as last season.
When viewed in this light, they have performed admirably in comparison. Eddie Howe’s side advanced to two cup quarterfinals, and they still have a chance to qualify for Europe. With seven games remaining, Newcastle trails sixth place by two points.
Qualifying for Europe would be a significant accomplishment, especially given how long we have been without Tonali. He is scheduled to return early next season, with his
While it is a cliché, he will be treated like a new signing when he returns. We didn’t get to see his full potential during his first 12 outings, and he’ll be better prepared now that he’s continued to train with the team and speaks English.
This season has been really difficult without Tonali, but his return might be quite special next season. When he returns, he will have the entire Toon Army behind him, and he will be determined to make up for lost time.
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