Newcastle Sign Sandro Tonali For £55m Making Former AC Milan Midfielder The Most Expensive Italian Player Of All Time
Newcastle United have signed midfielder Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.
The 23-year-old has penned a five-year contract with the Magpies.
According to Sky Sports, Newcastle will pay Milan £55 million (€64m) for Tonali, who has been capped 14 times by Italy at senior international level but also captained his country at this summer's European Under-21 Championship.
That transfer fee makes Tonali the most expensive Italian in the history of soccer, breaking the record set in 2018 when Chelsea paid Napoli €57m for Jorginho.
Legendary Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon had previously cost €53m when he moved from Parma to Juventus in 2001.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said of Tonali on the club's official website: "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."
Sandro Tonali pictured playing for Italy at the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship
IMAGO/AFLOSPORT
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."
Tonali made 95 Serie A appearances for Milan over the past three seasons, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists.
He is a hard-working midfielder who typically plays in a deep-lying position. He is excellent defensively but also incredibly comfortable in possession, with a sharp eye for a progressive pass.
