Manchester United are hesitant to meet Newcastle United’s valuation for Sandro Tonali, with the Old Trafford hierarchy labeling the potential deal “really expensive” despite the midfielder being the primary target for newly appointed head coach Michael Carrick. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Tyneside club is demanding a fee between €100m (£86m) and €115m (£100m) for the 26-year-old Italian international, following their failure to secure Champions League qualification. While Carrick has requested Tonali to anchor his new-look midfield, the significant price gap has reportedly stalled negotiations, with United simultaneously pursuing a lower-cost alternative in Atalanta’s Éderson for approximately £43m.
Newcastle's valuation and the gentleman’s agreement
Newcastle United are in a strong negotiating position as Tonali is under contract at St James' Park until June 2028. However, reports from the Manchester Evening News suggest a “gentleman’s agreement” exists that would allow Tonali to seek a move away after the club failed to reach the top four. Despite this, Newcastle’s financial requirements for their own squad rebuild have seen them set a premium price point that exceeds Manchester United’s current internal valuation. Speaking on the Manchester Evening News podcast, Michael Carrick recently praised the versatility of younger squad members like Kobbie Mainoo, noting that it makes "bringing players in... a little bit easier when he can adapt himself." This tactical flexibility is central to why Carrick views Tonali as the ideal partner for Mainoo in a double pivot.
Manchester United’s midfield rebuild and financial constraints
The pursuit of Tonali comes as Manchester United undergo a significant overhaul of their engine room, with Casemiro expected to depart for the MLS and Manuel Ugarte’s future uncertain after a season spent largely on the periphery. Having secured Carrick on a permanent two-year contract following a third-place finish, the club is under pressure to deliver his first-choice targets, yet PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) considerations remain a factor. The £100m ceiling set by Newcastle represents a major leap from the £55m United paid for Mason Mount a year prior, or the reported £43m package currently being discussed for Éderson. Internal figures at Old Trafford are understood to be wary of overextending on a single player when multiple positions require reinforcement, potentially forcing Carrick to settle for his secondary targets if Newcastle refuse to lower their demands.
Negotiations are expected to continue into June, though United may pivot fully toward Atalanta if no compromise is reached on the initial fee.