Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali (25) has reportedly performed a significant U-turn regarding his future, now prioritising a return to Serie A over high-profile interest from Manchester United and Manchester City. Despite previous reports indicating that Manchester United were preparing a substantial bid to lure the Italian to Old Trafford, senior figures at the club have reportedly cooled their interest, with Newcastle's valuation of the player currently sitting between £75 million and £100 million (€115m).
Tonali Signals Preference for Italy Return
According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Tonali has shifted his stance from competing in the Premier League to seeking a return to the Italian top flight. This development follows a period of heavy speculation linking the midfielder with a move to either Manchester United or Manchester City. However, the complexity of Newcastle United’s valuation and the player's personal preference appear to have shifted the landscape of the summer market.
Speaking to Sky Sports regarding his future, Tonali remained focused on his immediate performances.
In football if you play well you have to deal with the transfer rumours, but if you concentrate 100% on your game, and you're happy, you don't have to think about anything or speak about anything.
Manchester United Pivot to Alternative Targets
While Manchester United previously identified Tonali as a primary candidate to replace the outgoing Casemiro, reports in the Manchester Evening News and The Telegraph suggest their interest is receding. The club is understood to be reluctant to meet Newcastle's £100 million asking price and has instead turned its attention to Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.
United’s squad needs at the base of midfield are acute; Casemiro’s confirmed departure at the end of the 2025/26 season leaves a significant void in experience and defensive screening. However, the significant financial commitment required for Tonali — surpassing the €70m Newcastle paid AC Milan in 2023 — appears to have stalled negotiations before a formal bid was submitted.
Newcastle United's Firm Stance on Valuation
Newcastle United remain in a strong negotiating position. Tonali is under contract at St James' Park until June 2028, and the club holds a further one-year extension option. Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson recently signalled that the club is under no pressure to sell on terms that do not suit their financial strategy. Speaking on the club's approach to outgoings, Hopkinson stated:
We haven't got an overall strategy with regard to players out, necessarily... we are maximising our opportunity within the available price we can produce.
While Newcastle face ongoing pressure to navigate the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the club has prioritised retaining Tonali over other assets. If the Italian is to return to Serie A, AC Milan are considered the most likely destination, given the existing relationship between the clubs following the Tonali and Malick Thiaw deals. However, it remains to be seen if any Italian club can match a valuation that would represent a record sale for the Magpies.
With Manchester United now scouting alternative options in Spain and domestically, the focus turns to whether a Serie A suitor can formalise a proposal that satisfies Newcastle's high entry price.
