Sandro Tonali still has a lot to prove in English football. The 24-year-old Italian featured in just eight Premier League games for his side Newcastle United, after making a €70m move from Milan in the summer of 2023, before his season was cut short by a 10-month ban for illegal betting offences.
An additional two-month ban means the Azzurri star will miss the beginning of The Magpies’ 2024/25 campaign, becoming available for selection when Tottenham Hotspur visit St James’ Park in late August.
With his ban coming into effect on 26 October 2023, Tonali witnessed his teammates endure a difficult winter as they exited the Champions League and League Cup and struggled for form in the Premier League.
Things did improve in the latter part of the season, with Eddie Howe’s men finishing a respectable 7th, and only missing out on a European spot after Manchester United’s surprise win over rivals Machester City in the FA Cup final.
According to Bet442, Newcastle fans are hopeful that Tonali will live up to his reputation as one of the best young midfielders in Europe during the upcoming campaign.
Despite the ban, which left manager Howe with even fewer options during an injury-hit season, Tonali remains a popular figure on Tyneside. His name has been sung consistently on the terraces since his arrival and he will now want to repay the loyalty shown by the club’s supporters.
It is expected that Tonali’s technical qualities and ability to retain possession will benefit Newcastle greatly, particularly away from home, where they struggled last season. One silver lining during his ban from football is that Tonali has still been allowed to train under Howe, a manager renowned for improving his players.
Tonali introduced himself to the Premier League with a debut goal and swashbuckling display against Aston Villa in a 5-1 victory. His form then dipped before the ban was announced but the Toon Army are optimistic Tonali can re-ignite his career next season.