Tonali signed Newcastle contract extension during ban

Sandro Tonali’s contract, which extended due to his gambling ban, will now extend to 2030, according to the Newcastle United midfielder.

After leaving AC Milan for £55m in July 2023, Tonali signed for Newcastle on an initial five-year deal.

However, because he broke betting regulations, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) sent him a 10-month suspension in October that year.

During his suspension, Tonali was backed by Newcastle, and it is believed that the two parties discussed potential contract extensions.

Tonali extended his contract until 2029, wanting to repay the trust the club had in him.

Additionally, the club has the option to trigger an additional 12-month extension until 2030.

The club will not be in a vulnerable position with Tonali’s two-year contract expiring in the summer, despite the fact that Newcastle may still want to meet to discuss potential new terms with him in the future.

After Tonali became a crucial player under the direction of head coach Eddie Howe, it provides more protection for Newcastle.

Howe stated earlier this month that “one of his standout characteristics is that he possesses.” He consistently makes a difference in that way for us.

When we’re getting countered on or when we need to move forward, the majority of midfielders have that athleticism and, ideally, a gear change.

Tonali has not looked back.

After serving his suspension, the midfielder returned to action for Newcastle just 14 months later.

He has also become a necessity.

Howe’s choice to switch Tonali to the top six role helped the Italian and, in fact, this side win the title for the first time in 70 years and advance to the Champions League last year.

Tonali has only picked up where he left off, despite Newcastle’s drab Premier League start, where they are currently 14th.

Tonali has carried the ball more than any other Newcastle player this season, according to football stats database Fbref, totaling 1, 722 yards.

Only Kieran Trippier, a renowned midfielder, has completed more passes, had more touches, and completed more progressive passes for Newcastle than the intelligent Italian.

Tonali does the game’s gritty side admirably, too.

Only centre-back Sven Botman has allowed more interceptions than Tonali (12) for Newcastle), and only Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn have more than the Italian.

No one at Newcastle needs to be reminded of Tonali’s significance, which could lead to discussions over new terms, even though some people might make headlines more frequently.

Newcastle needs to keep hold of their best players, especially after losing Alexander Isak last summer, to advance the team.

After the former Newcastle centre-back went on strike to force a £125m move to Liverpool despite having three years left on his contract, the Isak saga demonstrated contracts no longer carry the weight they once did.