Sandro Tonali’s future at Newcastle United appears to have taken yet another dramatic turn after links with Manchester United.
It has long felt as if Tonali could leave Newcastle United this summer, with the player even admitting no one quite knows what the future holds when asked about his situation a few months ago.
Indeed, Manchester United have been heavily linked with Tonali and Newcastle fans have been here before.
Given what happened last summer, supporters could hardly be blamed when their star players are tipped for moves away.
Still, according to Keith Downie, there may have been a U-turn.
Tonali could stay at Newcastle United this summer
Speaking on a video posted on YouTube, Downie said: “The noises I’m hearing, it feels like there’s more chance of him staying now than probably there was a few weeks ago.”
The Italian is effectively under contract on Tyneside until 2030, so Newcastle are in a strong bargaining position even if a club does come in for him.
While there is a certain logic in selling Tonali, who would no doubt attract major funds in the transfer market, the fact he could stay is obviously positive.
Though he has not been at his best this season, he remains a brilliant player and the Newcastle squad would be weaker without him.
The major hint that Tonali is staying at Newcastle
Downie isn’t alone in suggesting there are signs that the former AC Milan midfielder will remain at St James’ Park.
Earlier this week, Craig Hope of The Daily Mail revealed that Tonali was part of the club’s photo shoot in which the players wear the new kit for the 2026/27 season.
Obviously, that does not mean he is definitely staying. Alexander Isak was involved last summer and what happened after that does not need repeating.
Yet, the fact that Anthony Gordon – also expected to leave – wasn’t involved in the shoot but Tonali was could perhaps be somewhat significant…