Newcastle’s Bold Bet: Tonali Signs a Long-Term Deal Amid Ban and Transfer Drama
22 October 2025
Contract Extension During Ban
Newcastle United has clinched the future of their Italian star Sandro Tonali by signing a new contract during his ten-month ban for betting violations, ensuring he remains at St James' Park longer and shielding the club from the risk of losing him after Isak's controversial move to Liverpool last summer.
According to The Telegraph, Tonali has extended for one more year with an option for a second extension, keeping the club in a strong position as he returns to action.
Background and Club Strategy
The extension builds on a prior deal Tonali signed in 2023 as a token of gratitude to the club that stood by him during his suspension, and it ties him to Newcastle until 2030.
Tonali had previously hidden his gambling addiction when he moved from Milan to Newcastle for £55 million, and Italian authorities opened an investigation after his arrival.
He later admitted violating betting rules in Italy and acknowledged continuing to bet after joining Newcastle, a matter he has faced publicly.
Yet, sporting director Dan Ashworth and manager Eddie Howe backed him during the ban, and the two sides agreed to extend by a further year under the same terms, with a 12-month extension option.
The agreement leaves Tonali linked to Newcastle through 2030, giving fans and staff confidence even as the club navigates a transfer market that could tempt top players away.
Tonali has emerged as one of Newcastle's standout performers in recent seasons, a midfielder described by pundits as among the Premier League's best. Paul Scholes even called him “the best midfielder in the Premier League.”
Losing Tonali after Isak's departure would have been a heavy blow, so the extension secures a level of stability and increases the club's leverage should future negotiations arise.
Tonali's career arc: born in Lodi in 2000, he rose through the ranks at Brescia, played a crucial role in their promotion to Serie A, then moved to Milan in 2020 for about €35m and helped the club win the league in 2021-22.
In 2023 Newcastle paid £55m for him, making him one of the most expensive Italian players in history at the time.
The ten-month ban did not erase his bond with the club or supporters; he returned to training and regained form, and his leadership has only grown since then.
Now 25, Tonali's long-term commitment signals Newcastle’s intention to build a competitive core around him and to project stability amid a crowded market for midfield talent.
Tonali’s style—tenacious, technically gifted, and capable of knitting play from deep—has made him a focal point of Newcastle's plans as they aim to challenge domestically and in Europe.
Punchline 1: Tonali’s contract is so long that even the calendar is filing a grievance for overtime. Punchline 2: If loyalty paid wages, Newcastle just printed a novel—starring Tonali and a midfield that loves a long-term sequel.
