Body language is the great betrayer of wantaway footballers, and Sandro Tonali's demeanour at Newcastle United last season spoke volumes, according to Chronicle columnist John Gibson. Tonali, who has been linked with a move away from St James' Park this summer, became a 'confused and dispirited soul' at a certain stage of the campaign until the club accepted the inevitable as long as he saw the season out in some semblance of form.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Gibson argues that players can protest innocence or stay tight-lipped, but their on-field persona tells the truth. He cites Alexander Isak, whose body language gave away his private thoughts shortly after his Wembley winner brought Newcastle the Carabao Cup, long before he went on strike to force through a move to Liverpool. Anthony Gordon also displayed his intentions twice—first when he thought he was heading to Liverpool, and last season when he invited interest from Barcelona before striking a private understanding that he could leave this summer.
Gibson also saw it in Tino Livramento, who made mistake-ridden performances at the height of Manchester City's interest, though injury took him out of the firing line. However, he did not see such commitment issues in Bruno Guimaraes or Lewis Hall.
Transfer Politics and Regrets
If Sandro Tonali goes for the £100 million Newcastle want, the club would have sold three top-notch players—Isak, Gordon, and Tonali—in the space of 12 months for a combined fee of around £300 million. But Gibson warns that buying badly could fail to revive hope. The initial impact of Yoane Wissa and Anthony Elanga, each costing £55 million, has been described as 'depressing,' though they may come good next season. Newcastle are now looking abroad at young potential rather than Premier League-hardened performers, while Tottenham have gone in the opposite direction, targeting proven PL players like Tonali, Marcus Rashford, Andy Robertson, and Jan Paul van Hecke.
Tributes for Grassroots Legend Terry Ritson
In other news, top stars have paid tribute to Terry Ritson, a legend of North East grassroots football who recently quit Redheugh Boys Club after a lifetime of loyal service. Paul Gascoigne, coached by Ritson from age 12 to 15, said: 'I owe you grateful thanks for what you did for me. You deserve a great day.' Newcastle first-team coach Graeme Jones added: 'You gave so much time, energy and caring. Seven of our team went pro at 16 and that was down to you.' David Hodgson, who played for Liverpool, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough, maintained: 'My greatest time was at Redheugh playing in the Ayr International Tournament against the likes of Ajax and AC Milan. I adored the club, it was the best there was.' A community match in Ritson's honour will be held at Dunston UTS on Saturday, July 18.
