Newcastle United transfer truth after Sandro Tonali is spotted back in Italy

Tonali has been heavily linked with a move away from Newcastle this summer, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United monitoring his situation.

The 26-year-old has frequently been linked with a return to his homeland, too, with Juventus and AC Milan among the clubs mentioned with a possible move.

Tonali's agent has also fanned the flames of a potential move, too, with a number of comments about his client's future in recent months.

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And with Tonali back in Italy on a day off on Wednesday, any fears he was there to discuss a return to Serie A can be allayed. He was simply back to watch Union Brescia in their Serie C play-off game at home to Casarano.

Tonali started his career at Brescia before joining boyhood club AC Milan in 2020. Since then, Brescia disbanded last summer after being declared bankrupt following relegation to Serie C.

As such, Union Brescia was formed at the start of this season, following the relocation of the neighbouring Serie C club Feralpisalò to Brescia. The move was facilitated by Brescia Mayor Laura Castelletti to ensure the presence of a professional club in the city.

So while Tonali technically was not visiting a former club, he was welcomed 'home' by Brescia supporters and presented with a Union Brescia jersey ahead of kick-off.

In truth, Italian clubs would simply not be able to afford the finances involved to prise Tonali away from Newcastle. The Italian international still has three years remaining on his deal at St James' Park, with the option of a further year.

He has developed into one of the Premier League's leading midfielders, too, three years since Newcastle paid £55million to sign him from AC Milan. The fee involved to sell him would be significantly higher than that.

The reality is only the richest clubs in the world would be able to afford Tonali and reports in the Athletic this morning have suggested the 'temperature is cooler' at Old Trafford about Manchester United making a move for him this summer.

Tonali was replaced with a minor hamstring issue during Sunday's 3-1 win over West Ham United but it is hoped he will be fit to face Fulham when Newcastle make the trip to West London in the final game of the 2025/26 season this weekend.