Newcastle United chief makes Sandro Tonali surprise claim ahead of Tottenham Hotspur meeting
Sandro Tonali is just a little over two weeks away from finally making his highly anticipated return to the pitch for Newcastle United. The Italian midfielder is nearing the end of his 10-month suspension, a ban imposed for his involvement in betting activities. This suspension, which has kept him out of competitive action since last season, is set to officially expire at the end of this month. Once the ban is lifted, Tonali’s first chance to don the Newcastle United jersey in a competitive fixture will come on September 1, when the Magpies face Tottenham Hotspur in what promises to be a crucial early-season clash. This date also coincides with the close of the summer transfer window, making it an opportune moment for Tonali to reintroduce himself to the Newcastle faithful.
Darren Eales, Newcastle United’s Chief Executive Officer, has expressed a palpable sense of excitement about Tonali’s return, likening it to the arrival of a new signing. Eales acknowledged that last season was far from ideal for Tonali, who, after a much-publicized £52 million transfer from AC Milan, was limited to just 12 appearances for the Magpies. Despite the disruption caused by the ban, Tonali has remained deeply committed to the club. He has continued to train diligently with the rest of the squad and has even taken steps to engage with the club’s fanbase. A particularly notable moment came earlier this month when Tonali addressed supporters in English during an exclusive fan event held in Tokyo, demonstrating both his dedication to Newcastle United and his personal growth.
Reflecting on Tonali’s surprise appearance in Japan, Eales was full of praise for the midfielder. “It was an incredible moment, wasn’t it?” he remarked. “No one in the room had any idea that the players were going to show up. Sandro’s English is really impressive, and the way he spoke was from the heart. You could feel his sincerity, and it gave everyone in the room a real sense of who Sandro Tonali is, both as a player and as a person. I think he understands that last season almost doesn’t count because of everything that happened, and he’s clearly determined to make a fresh start this season.”
Eales continued to emphasize Tonali’s professionalism and focus during this challenging period. “You can see it in his demeanor—Sandro is fully locked in on making the most of this upcoming season. He’s eager to kickstart his Newcastle United career in a way that he wasn’t able to last year. We all know the level of talent he brings to the table; he’s an extraordinary player. The way he’s been working in training is a testament to his character. It’s not easy to stay motivated when you’re not able to play in matches, but Sandro has done everything right. He’s kept his fitness levels high, and with August 28 fast approaching, he’s clearly preparing himself for his comeback. It’s not just a cliché—when Sandro steps back onto the pitch, it will genuinely feel like we’ve made a new signing. This is his chance to truly begin his journey with Newcastle United, and it’s incredibly exciting for everyone involved.”
Despite not being able to feature in any pre-season friendlies, Tonali has managed to stay sharp by participating in 11-v-11 training matches at the club’s training ground. One such match took place last month against Burnley, allowing Tonali to maintain a competitive edge. However, he will be absent for Newcastle’s Premier League opener against Southampton at St James’ Park, as well as the subsequent away match against AFC Bournemouth. All eyes are now on the September 1 fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, where Tonali is expected to make his long-awaited return.
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has also shared his thoughts on Tonali’s return, praising the midfielder for his resilience and positive attitude during this difficult time. “Mentally, Sandro has been outstanding throughout this long ban,” Howe said. “He’s approached everything with the right mindset and has trained exceptionally well. For someone in his situation, he’s been very low maintenance and easy to manage. He’s been a true professional, offering unwavering support to his teammates and always putting the team’s needs ahead of his own.”
Howe did, however, caution that Tonali’s reintegration into the squad will require some time. “There’s no doubt that it will take a bit of time for Sandro to reach his peak performance level,” Howe explained. “Given the circumstances, he hasn’t had the opportunity to play in competitive matches, and while he’s participated in daily training sessions, those sessions often don’t replicate the intensity of actual games. The only exception has been the occasional 11-v-11 training match, but even that doesn’t fully prepare a player for the demands of Premier League football. That said, Sandro looks fit, focused, and ready to contribute. We all know how important he is to the team, and with the way he’s been training, I have every confidence that he’ll get up to speed relatively quickly.”
As the countdown to Tonali’s return continues, the sense of anticipation among Newcastle United fans is palpable. The Italian midfielder, who was once hailed as one of Europe’s brightest young talents, now has the opportunity to show the Premier League exactly what he’s capable of. His return is not just a significant moment for the player, but also for the club as a whole. With Tonali back in the fold, Newcastle United will be hoping to build on their impressive performances from last season and continue their push towards the upper echelons of English football. For Tonali, this is more than just a return to action—it’s a chance to finally make his mark on the Premier League and to begin the next chapter of his career on Tyneside.
