Sandro Tonali could leave Newcastle United this summer as negotiations to land another veteran who will replace him
Sandro Tonali could reportedly look to leave Newcastle United this summer, with talks of a swap deal with former side AC Milan rife.
According to Calcio Mercato, Sandro Tonali could be set for a sensational return to AC Milan, as he could leave Newcastle United after a difficult time since moving there. The report talks about a potential swap deal between the two clubs, with Fikayo Tomori going the other way as part of the agreement.
Sandro Tonali to re-join AC Milan?
Many were taken by surprise when Newcastle United agreed a £55 million deal with AC Milan to sign midfielder Sandro Tonali last summer. The midfielder scored on his Premier League debut against Aston Villa but was restricted to seven more games since, as he was slapped with a long ban for betting allegations.
The ban has since been reduced to 10 months, meaning Tonali can return to action around August 27, as the Magpies can now count on his selection early in the next season. However, there’s talk of the midfielder leaving the club this summer, with the report stating he could make a sensational return to AC Milan.
The report further expands and suggests the two clubs can negotiate a potential swap deal to exchange Tonali for Fikayo Tomori with no additional costs. This means the agreement will only take place if the clubs do not demand any form of money as part of the deal, although straight swaps are extremely rare in modern-day football transfers.
Tomori has Newcastle United’s interest as he’s considered an important target to shore up the Magpie’s backline. The injuries to Sven Botman and Jamal Lascelles have left them short in central defence ahead of the new season. Meanwhile, they are inching closer to bringing Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer, and a move for AC Milan’s Tomori would not come as a surprise, although at the expense of Tonali would set them back.
Will Newcastle United agree on a swap deal?
While Newcastle did invest a huge sum in Tonali, sending him over to AC Milan in exchange for Tomori will not change their status one bit. In fact, they might see the likes of Bruno Guimaraes leave for a bigger challenge, which will certainly leave them short of quality in their midfield.
Despite Tonali’s long ban, the Magpies have faith that the midfielder will come back stronger and will bank on his game this season. Hence, while the idea of a swap deal with Milan for Tomori might make sense on paper, on the business and sporting side of things, it will be a setback for Newcastle.
