Tonali leaving 'would be disappointing' - Howey
[Getty Images] Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey has told BBC Radio Newcastle it "would be disappointing" if Sandro Tonali was to leave the club this summer. The Italy international has been with the Magpies since a £55m move from AC Milan in July 2023. There were reports on Thursday of a "gentleman's agreement" being in place which could see Tonali leave for another club if the Magpies do not qualify for any European competition.
Subsequently, outlets have reported that, in the club's view, no such arrangement exists. The 25-year-old initially signed a five-year contract and extended his deal by a year while serving a 10-month ban, which started in October 2023, from the Italian Football Federation for breaching betting rules. His new terms also included the Magpies having an option to trigger an additional 12-month extension to 2030.
"He's a top player and if the team got into any type of European competition then I would expect him to stop [at the club]," said Howey. "I can also see why it's difficult [for him] because do you expect him to [stay] if Newcastle don't get Europe at all? " Listen to the discussion on BBC Sounds