Seven Potential Destinations for Sandro Tonali—With Familiar Favourite

Sandro Tonali’s future at Newcastle United is clouding over just as St James’ Park braces for another fight to reach the Champions League. Speaking exclusively to reporters, the player’s representative, Giuseppe Riso, confirmed that talks over a potential exit will be postponed until the summer, but he pointedly refused to rule out a move. “Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League,” Riso said. “These transfer discussions will take place later. We’ll see how the season ends and then we’ll decide what to do.”

With Newcastle currently outside the top four and qualification looking improbable, Europe’s heavyweight clubs are already circling one of the continent’s most complete defensive midfielders. Here are the seven destinations most likely to tempt the 25-year-old away from Tyneside when the window re-opens.

Liverpool Despite spending almost £450 million last summer—close to £150 million on Alexander Isak alone—Liverpool remain short of a genuine holding midfielder. Ryan Gravenberch has been overworked and Alexis Mac Allister’s dip in form has exposed the squad’s lack of depth. Tonali’s Premier League experience and £100 million valuation make him an obvious target, although frosty negotiations with Newcastle over Isak could deter the Reds from entering the race.

Paris Saint-Germain PSG already boast Vitinha, João Neves, Fabián Ruiz and Warren Zaïre-Emery, yet the French champions retain the financial muscle to sign any elite talent on the market. Tonali would be guaranteed Champions League football and a realistic shot at domestic silverware in Paris, even if playing time is less certain than elsewhere.

Manchester United Casemiro’s expected departure leaves Erik ten Hag’s side scrambling for a marquee midfielder. Whether United pursue Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton, Tonali offers a ready-made blend of steel and distribution that would slot seamlessly into a midfield facing the dual demands of the Premier League and a possible Champions League campaign. Uncertainty over the managerial situation complicates recruitment, but the Italian’s profile fits any tactical blueprint.

Juventus A return to Italy appeals to Tonali, who misses life—and food—at home. Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti previously described the midfielder as “magnificent” during their time together with the national team, and a reunion in Turin would suit both parties tactically and emotionally. The stumbling block is financial: Juve are unlikely to match Newcastle’s asking price in the current Italian market.

Real Madrid Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić have left voids that Federico Valverde’s under-performance has only widened. Madrid crave a new controller who can break up play and circulate possession, and Tonali’s destructive streak and passing range fit the Bernabéu brief perfectly. A move to Spain would offer the Italian a fresh challenge and the perennial lure of Champions League contention.

Manchester City Rodri’s injury-ravaged campaign underlined City’s need for another elite pivot. While Nico González and Tijjani Reijnders provide depth, neither matches Tonali’s all-round authority in the No. 6 role. Finances would not trouble the Premier League holders, and Guardiola has long admired technically astute destroyers who can operate under pressure.

Arsenal Arsenal were linked with Tonali late in the winter window, and Mikel Arteta remains an admirer. Martín Zubimendi’s arrival has bolstered midfield, yet the club want multiple world-class options to sustain a title dynasty. Tonali could alternate with Zubimendi or deputise for Declan Rice, giving the Gunners enviable depth and tactical flexibility.

Wherever Tonali lands, the decision is unlikely to be rushed. Riso insists the next few months will be spent assessing Newcastle’s fortunes before plotting a course that could reshape the midfielder’s career—and the balance of power in Europe’s midfield markets.