Newcastle complete Sandro Tonali transfer as he becomes most expensive Italian in history by £11million
NEWCASTLE UNITED have made Sandro Tonali the most-expensive Italian player in history after securing his signing from AC Milan.
Eddie Howe’s side have finally confirmed the 23-year-old Italian international as their first major summer signing for £60million.
The star has penned a five-year contract, which includes the option of a further 12 months, at St. James’ Park and can’t wait to get started for his new club.
Tonali said: “First of all, I want to thank Newcastle United because they are giving me a huge opportunity for my career.
“I want to repay the trust on the pitch, giving it my all, as I always have.
“I’m really excited about playing at St. James’ Park, I can’t wait to feel the warmth of the fans.”
Newcastle boss Howe added: “I’m delighted to welcome Sandro to Newcastle United.
“He is an exceptional talent and has the mentality, physicality and technical attributes to be a great fit for us.
“At 23, Sandro already has important experience as a key player in one of Europe’s top leagues and in the Champions League, as well as playing for his country.
“But he also has the opportunity and potential to grow and evolve with us, and I’m excited to add him to our squad as we approach the exciting season ahead.”
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Newcastle have paid an initial £60m for Tonali, with the deal having several performance based add-ons included as well as Milan having a clause for a 10 per cent cut of any future transfer fee.
Compatriot Jorginho was previously the most-expensive Italian player following his move to Chelsea from Napoli in 2018 for a believed £49m.
Tonali, who captained his country at this summer’s U21 Euros, came through the ranks with Brescia and broke into their first-team as a teenager as they won Serie B in 2019.
The ace continued to shine in the top-flight before Milan swooped to sign him initially on loan in the 2020/21 campaign.
That move was made permanent at the end of that season and he has made over 100 appearances for the club since, helping them to Serie A title success 12 months ago.
Newcastle made Gambian starlet Yankuba Minteh their first signing of the summer last week – before sending him straight on loan to Feyenoord.
Toon paid Danish club OB Odense around £6m for the young forward, who bagged four goals and six assists last season.
Minteh, 18, will spend next season in Holland with newly-crowned champions Feyenoord before returning to fight for a place in Howe’s squad next summer.
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