Newcastle United’s Italian midfielder #08 Sandro Tonali (R) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Newcastle United’s Brazilian midfielder #39 Bruno Guimaraes during the UEFA Champions League, league phase – Matchday 2 football match between Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and Newcastle United FC at the RSC Anderlecht Stadium in Brussels on October 1, 2025. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP) (Photo by JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images)
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Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe says midfielder Sandro Tonali “felt the love” from team-mates and fans when he signed a secret contract extension at the club.
Tonali, 25, signed for Newcastle from AC Milan in the summer of 2023 but was found guilty of breaching betting rules months later, missing 10 months of action.
Though he was able to train with the squad, the Italy international approached Newcastle about a wage cut and also signed a new deal to extend his stay until 2029. The club also has the option of a further year.
Since returning to the side last season, Tonali has become vital to Howe’s set up, and he couldn’t speak highly enough of him ahead of the clash with Fulham at St James’ Park on Saturday.
“A lot happened around the time he was banned; a lot of discussions were had,” Howe said.
“Sandro has felt the love with everyone connected with the football club. He felt that love and support and needed it at the time. He has been brilliant for us. Sandro is happy, he is enjoying his football, he is integral to the team.”
Tonali was an unused substitute in Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Benfica in the Champions League due to illness, and Howe says he is still being monitored before tomorrow’s game.
“I think everyone came through the game okay. Sandro is still the player we are monitoring; he did train but wasn’t feeling 100%, he will be touch and go.”
Fullbacks Lewis Hall (hamstring) and Tino Livramento (knee) will not be involved but Howe said they are both recovering.
“Tino is back on the grass for the first time today, so happy for him. Lewis is the same, on the grass and doing well, so hopefully he is not too far away.”
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 18: Sandro Tonali and Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United on the side line during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Newcastle United and Brentford at St James’ Park on December 18, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Sandro Tonali’s contract extension vital news for Newcastle United
The manner of Alexander Isak’s departure in the summer has caused a lot of concern about the future of other stars at the club, especially Tonali.
Like Isak, he is a world class player who will undoubtedly be of interest to other clubs in the Premier League and across Europe. With his contract believed to have been entering the final two years next summer, Newcastle was certainly vulnerable to another saga, especially if it fails to qualify for the Champions League in 2026.
Isak proved that contract length isn’t everything and the player truly holds the power over their future. But there are two critical differences when it comes to Tonali; with the extra year option in Newcastle’s favour, he is effectively tied down for five years from now, and his conduct in both signing the new deal and instigating a temporary paycut demonstrates his appreciation for Newcastle is strong,
But he will need to be repaid for his fine form in a Newcastle shirt with a wage increase soon, while the team must continue to improve to keep him happy.
Externally, he maybe goes under the radar, but he is one of the world’s best midfielders, and it won’t be long until that is recognized.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/harrydecosemo/2025/10/24/sandro-tonali-felt-the-love-after-signing-newcastle-united-contract/
