Sandro Tonali Shows Sympathy for Isak, Hinting at Possible Liverpool Move
Anyone who caught Sandro Tonali’s post-match interview on Wednesday, where he showed support for Alexander Isak and talked about “life choices” when asked about his long-term plans at St. James’ Park, won’t be surprised to hear he’s feeling “homesick.”
It’s clear that, beyond football, Tonali is weighing his personal comfort and well-being, which could influence his next career move.
Clubs showing genuine interest may have an advantage if they can offer not just a role on the pitch but also a place where he truly feels at home.
After overcoming his betting ban, Tonali has proven to be a great addition for Newcastle. He forms a formidable trio with Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes in the Magpies’ engine room under Eddie Howe.
Paul Scholes recently named the Italian the best midfielder in the Premier League, surpassing Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice.
However, since joining Newcastle from AC Milan, the 25-year-old has been strongly linked to a return to Serie A.
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This was especially true in the summer when Juventus called, but the Old Lady objected to Newcastle’s €100 million [£80 million] value.
Recently, Tonali declared that he would “not close the door” on going back to Italy. “It’s my country,” he continued, asserting that Serie A “is getting better and better.”
His “I feel happy here” disclaimer on Wednesday did little to refute the overall implication that going back to Italy would be a “option for life” he would seize if the chance presented itself, further fanning the embers of his departure.
Tonali’s mention of the “tough” times the striker went through while refusing to train for the team that was paying his salary feels significant and won’t play particularly well with the Newcastle supporters, who will and should be fearing a similar push to leave from one of their star players, even though he didn’t and might not in the future down tools to force an exit like Isak.
Tonali responded, “This is a tough question because footballers need to think year by year,” when asked if he saw his long-term future at St. James’ Park.
I don’t want to claim that I want to stay here for ten years, but I will go after two, three, four, or five years.
“I want to consider things year by year. Alex Isak and I had a difficult summer, but this is football. You have to consider every aspect of football if you have a choice for your life or another team.
“I want to stay here for ten years, so I don’t want to say yes. But I’m content here now. I have no affections for any other team.
Following such remarks, Corriere della Sera told Sport Witness that Tonali is “confiding in friends that he wants to return to Milan” and plans to visit his native country soon.
The research states that “next summer will be one of the protagonists of the transfer market,” but it also raises the reasonable question of whether “only the big Premier Leagues will be able to support the investment figures?”
A return to Italy on the grounds of being “homesick” would be acceptable, even though we don’t think Newcastle would accept any departure with much grace given how they supported Tonali through the betting accusations and subsequent ban, offering him a contract extension until 2029 during that time out of action. It wouldn’t be to move to a Premier League opponent.
With interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid, and possibly Paris Saint-Germain cooling, Tonali might now have to turn to English clubs, with Liverpool emerging as a top contender.
They’re clearly searching for a strong option to challenge or eventually replace Alexis Mac Allister in their midfield.
If this move happens, it could dramatically strengthen their center and give Klopp more tactical flexibility going forward, potentially transforming their struggles in the middle of the park into a real advantage.
