Reliable journalist Luke Edwards tonight shared an update on claims that Sandro Tonali has a “gentleman’s agreement” to leave Newcastle this summer.
Sandro Tonali’s ‘gentleman’s agreement’ causes Newcastle reaction
It was a week that really summed up what Eddie Howe and Newcastle have going on off the pitch.
The 7-2 defeat at Barcelona is still fresh and the horror of the Sunderland derby still fresh. And as if to confirm that there was no peace during the international break, today a bombshell article from the Shields Gazette has thrown the Tyneside fanbase into turmoil once again.
Journalist Liam Kennedy exclusively reported this story. Sandro Tonali and his agent believe they have a gentleman’s agreement with Newcastle that would allow him to leave this summer if the club fails to qualify for European football.
The argument was strict and specific.
Should the Magpies end the season in the wilderness of mid-table Premier League football – currently 12th, seven points out of the top five – the club will consider making offers for players previously considered untouchable, according to Tonali and his camp.
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A magpie attacked.
Conference league football alone won’t be enough to keep him, the article added.
Only qualification for the Champions League or the Europa League will ensure he stays.
The timing felt intentional. Newcastle are already preparing for a tough summer, with Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimarães also attracting significant interest, and suggestions that their most high-profile recent signings are effectively negotiating exit routes has added to unwanted fears.
Arsenal, Man United, Manchester City and Liverpool are all interested in signing Tonali, who is thought to be worth around £100m.
The player’s agent, Giuseppe Rizzo, has also said publicly in recent weeks that a move to the Premier League title contenders is “very likely”, which has not necessarily calmed the furor.
The paper’s article cited Newcastle’s determination to avoid a repeat of the Alexander Isak-like situation – last summer’s turmoil, which the club personally considers very unfortunate – and said it reinforced Tonali’s belief that the club would honor such an arrangement.
It was convincing, but within hours Newcastle moved to shut down.
Luke Edwards shares update on Sandro Tonali following gentlemen’s agreement claim
Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards, one of the most trusted voices on all things Newcastle, reported tonight that club officials have spoken directly to the media and are adamant there is no gentleman’s agreement.
No deals have been finalized, there has been no contact from interested clubs, and Tonali himself has not announced his intention to leave.
Edwards was careful to add proper context.
Refusal does not necessarily mean Tonali will remain. While not closing the door completely, we categorically reject the idea that some sort of backdoor exit has been agreed in advance, allowing Newcastle to take full control of the situation rather than the narrative getting even worse.
What this episode shows is how relentless the noise of transfers around St James’s Park has become.
It seems like every week this month brings us a fresh story linking a Newcastle mainstay with another club.
Gordon went to Liverpool, Guimarães went to United and Tonali moved to the likes of half the Premier League and some European giants.
With seven league games remaining, Newcastle need a strong finish to have any hope of qualifying for Europe.
For now we have to return our focus to the pitch.
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