Eddie Howe and Newcastle United players hit by £100m transfer distraction ahead of Sunderland derby
Fresh £100m transfer claims have created an unwanted distraction for Newcastle United ahead of the Sunderland derby
Newcastle United head into Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland with fresh transfer speculation swirling around one of their most important players.
Midfielder Sandro Tonali has become the centre of attention after his agent suggested the Italy international could eventually move to one of the Premier League’s elite clubs.
Tonali’s representative, Giuseppe Riso, has claimed that a switch to a title-chasing side such as Arsenal or Manchester City has long been part of the midfielder’s wider career plan. Speaking to Italian media, Riso said: “Exactly, that was the aim from the moment he went to England: to try and turn him into a star player. “I think he’s the Italian player with one of the highest values in the world.”
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The comments have sparked fresh speculation about the 25-year-old’s long-term future on Tyneside just days before Newcastle face Sunderland at St James’ Park. Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023 in a deal worth around £52million and remains under contract until 2029, with the club holding an option for a further year.
Despite that long-term deal, interest from major clubs is expected to intensify this summer, particularly if Tonali performs strongly on the international stage. Riso hinted that the upcoming World Cup could play a role in shaping the next phase of the midfielder’s career. “Everyone is waiting for the World Cup, then a thousand scenarios will unfold, but it all kicks off after the World Cup,” he added.
The remarks come at a delicate moment for Newcastle. Tonali missed the club’s 1-0 Premier League win over Chelsea at the weekend due to illness, the same bug that has recently affected team-mates Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon. Eddie Howe is hopeful the Italian midfielder will be available again soon as Newcastle prepare for a demanding run of fixtures that includes their Champions League last-16 clash with Barcelona.
However, the timing of the transfer comments has inevitably created a distraction ahead of one of the biggest domestic games of the season. Tonali remains a key figure in Howe’s side. Across all competitions this season he has contributed three goals and seven assists in 46 appearances, while playing a major role in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph last year.
Newcastle reportedly have no intention of selling the midfielder and would reportedly demand a fee in the region of £80million to £100million if any club attempted to test their resolve. The developing situation adds another subplot to an already highly charged week for Newcastle United, with Barcelona and Sunderland to come this week.
Tyne-Wear derbies rarely need extra narrative, but Newcastle now head into Sunday’s clash with questions swirling around one of their most influential players – a situation Howe would likely have preferred to avoid on the eve of such a fiercely contested fixture.