Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has been repeatedly linked with a return to Italy after leaving AC Milan back in the summer of 2023.
08:35, 05 Jan 2026Updated 09:04, 05 Jan 2026
Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has been linked with a return to Italy.
Italian media reports claim Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali remains a long-term transfer target for Serie A giants Juventus as the January transfer window gears up.
The 25-year-old has been a key figure for Eddie Howe’s side since his move to St. James’ Park from AC Milan back in the summer of 2023 and signed a contract extension until the summer of 2029, with the club having an option of another year.
Although the Italian has made it clear in recent months that he wants to repay Newcastle for sticking with him during his ban from football for betting offences, speculation about a return to Italy has not gone away.
AC Milan and Juventus have both been touted as potential destinations for Italy international, though Newcastle have no interest in selling the midfielder.
Tuttomercatoweb claim Tonali remains the ideal long-term target for Juventus as they look to address their midfield engine room, but they are also looking for a short-term solution.
West Ham midfielder Guido Rodriguez is a potential target for the Old Lady. The report claims a fee of around £9million would be enough to tempt the Hammers into selling the 31-year-old.
It adds that Newcastle would demand ‘significant investment’ in order to sell the midfield general, but that isn’t likely to dissuade Juventus who have made Tonali their number one target ahead of next season.
Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United (8) claps the Newcastle fans (Image: 2025 Newcastle United)
The two Italian clubs aren’t the only clubs to admire Tonali, with Chelsea and Real Madrid also linked with a move in recent weeks.
Tonali has struggled to rediscover his fine form from last season, where he helped the Magpies win the Carabao Cup and qualify for the Champions League.
Eddie Howe recently admitted he is working with the player to try and find his top level again, and said: “This season, for whatever reason, he’s not quite hit those levels, but we are working with him to get back there.
“We have seen games where he has performed really well, and in-game there’s been moments where he has absolutely been at his best but it’s that consistency levels that we will focus on.”
Back in November Tonali said: “I don’t want to say I want to stay here 10 years and in two years, three years, four years [or] five years I will go. I want to think, just for me, year for year. This is football. The last summer was tough for us, for Alex [Isak], but this is football.
“If you have an option for your life, for another team you need to think about everything. I don’t want to say ‘Yes, I want to stay here 10 years’ but now I’m happy here. I don’t think anything about another team.”