Sandro Tonali and Milan. A love story that began in childhood, when, at 11, the current Newcastle midfielder asked for a Milan kit in his letter to Santa Lucia and dreamed of wearing those colors. He fulfilled that dream in 2020, wearing Gennaro Gattuso’s number 8, his childhood idol, whose breakfast mug he owned. By a twist of fate, Gattuso is now his national team coach.
From the national team, at Vivo Azzurro, two days before Italy-Estonia, Tonali spoke about a possible return to Serie A. He did not rule it out after leaving in 2023: "You never know what will happen, I tell everyone it is possible. I do not close the door on Italy, it is my country. Maybe not now because I have found my balance at Newcastle, but the league is becoming more attractive, the level of the teams is rising."
Is a return for Tonali to Serie A really possible?
Recently, Tonali took the opportunity to meet Beppe Riso in Milan, according to Goal.com. The idea of returning to Serie A has never disappeared and could reopen in the future, with Juventus showing serious interest last summer.
In fact, at the start of summer, Tonali was a market target. Damien Comolli’s arrival did not change plans, but financial limits prevented a move. Juventus still keeps the 2000-born midfielder at the top of their wishlist. It is not easy because Tonali’s heart has always belonged to Milan.
Tonali was born and raised with Milan colors. He started at Lombardia Uno (Milan Academy) in the Pulcini before moving to Piacenza and then Brescia. Milan was always his destiny, and in 2020 he received the call from his beloved club.
After his first season on loan, Milan, having already paid 10 million, bought him for 6.9 million. To stay, Tonali even accepted a reduction of part of his 1.6 million euro salary. A significant sacrifice, showing his determination to remain in Milan.
At Milan, he spent three high-level years, winning a Scudetto as a key player, with important goals like the one at the Olimpico against Lazio, symbolizing Stefano Pioli’s team’s title run. In 2023, he was sold.
Newcastle offered too much for Milan to refuse. The English club signed him for 59 million plus 10% of a future resale, with a contract of 7 million per season plus two million in bonuses until June 30, 2028.
Weeks after the transfer, he received a betting-related suspension: ten months out, eight months of alternative measures, and a 20,000 euro fine, keeping him out for the entire 2023/24 season, returning in August 2024, as pointed out by Calcio Mercato.
"Sandro Tonali is the best midfielder in the Premier League," said Paul Scholes. A significant endorsement from a midfielder who made English football history. Since returning from suspension last year, Tonali has improved, winning Newcastle fans’ hearts and seeing his market value rise to around 70 million euros.
Is a return to Milan possible?
Considering costs, it seems difficult in the short term. Tonali has never hidden his desire to return to the club he has supported since childhood, which he left unexpectedly two years ago.
Juventus is still interested, but Tonali’s Rossoneri heart complicates the move. Milan and Tonali could reunite in the future, as the 2000-born midfielder, now 25, still has many seasons ahead.
