Newcastle United are determined to hold out for a fee of at least £100 million for Sandro Tonali this summer, with sources close to the player's camp indicating that the club will not accept any offers below that threshold.
Following the departure of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3 million, Newcastle's hierarchy believe that Tonali's market value aligns with the price tag Nottingham Forest have set for Elliot Anderson. Tonali, who has been considered a backup option for Manchester City and Manchester United should either club miss out on a target from Whitley Bay, has left Benton for the summer with an open mind.
Like Gordon, Tonali is not actively seeking a move away from St James' Park, but he is aware that the club are being forced into unpopular sales to comply with SCR regulations and need to generate funds to reinvest in the squad. Full-backs Tino Livramento, wanted by City and Arsenal, and Lewis Hall, who has attracted interest from Manchester United, are also among the players who could be sold this summer.
Newcastle's Strategy to Avoid Political Turmoil
Newcastle are keen to avoid a repeat of the 2025 saga when Alexander Isak went on strike to force a move to Liverpool for £125 million. CEO David Hopkinson stated in March: "We haven't got an overall strategy with regards players out, necessarily. We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer. But if an Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms and we're going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club."
Newcastle are in a strong position with Tonali, whose contract runs until at least 2029 with an option for an additional year, allowing them to demand £100 million. Livramento is signed until 2028, while Hall is tied down until 2029, though neither has agreed to improved terms.
Club Legend Weighs In
Club legend Rob Lee has urged the club to move on players who do not want to be at Newcastle. Speaking to Chronicle Live, he said: "If players don't want to be at Newcastle - I don't care who they are - let's get the best possible deal for them now. Don't leave it late like Isak, and if somebody comes in for them, ask them: 'Do you want to play for us or not?' If they don't, then go. I've said this on the podcast Adopted Geordies."
Lee added: "Fans are fed up with players who come here and don't really want to be at Newcastle. I don't care who it is; if you don't want to play for Newcastle, go. There are thousands of players that do because it is a great club."
Newcastle United are determined to handle any potential transfer with Tonali on their own terms, ensuring they maximize the financial return while maintaining control over the situation.
