Newcastle United’s season would have been very different had Sandro Tonali been available.
The Italian midfielder was the Magpies’ marquee summer signing, arriving for £55million from AC Milan. It was an incredible transfer, and one that made Sandro Tonali the second most expensive player in Newcastle United’s history.
It was a shock to see Newcastle land an elite player from a Champions League rival like AC Milan, and it was further evidence of the club’s pulling power since the change of ownership at St James’ Park.
After Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman, Tonali was the latest megastar to arrive on Tyneside. The move was another statement of intent from the Toon owners, although it has so far backfired.
Sandro Tonali is currently banned for betting offences
That is because Tonali has not played for Newcastle United since October 25th 2023. He came off the bench during the Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund at home, and has not played since.
The day after that game, it was announced that the 23-year-old would serve a 10-month ban after being investigated for betting by the Italian Football Federation.
The decision rocked Newcastle’s season, and there was recently fresh concern that he could be banned for even longer amid an investigation from the FA. However, it does not look like that will be the case.
In his absence, the Magpies have had major midfield issues. They have been without their most expensive midfielder ever, while many of his peers have struggled with injury. Joe Willock, Joelinton and Elliot Anderson have been long-term absentees, while Sean Longstaff has been forced to play despite not being fully fit.
Tonali’s ban has ultimately led to Lewis Miley getting his chance, and the teenager has been asked to play a lot of football at the tender age of just 17-years-old.
How Newcastle feel internally about the impact of Sandro Tonali’s ban
While Miley’s emergence has been one positive from the Tonali situation, it is ultimately something that has derailed Newcastle United’s campaign.
That is according to the Athletic, who have spoke to an insider at the club about Tonali’s ban and how it has impacted the 2023/24 season.
The person told the Athletic that Tonali’s ban has ‘absolutely —— us’, and that it has caused Newcastle ‘huge, huge issues’.
When Tonali can play again for Newcastle
Combine Tonali’s ban with Harvey Barnes injury and Lewis Hall’s situation, and Newcastle’s summer transfer business has failed to have a major impact. It has resulted in the club going into its busiest season for years with effectively last season’s squad.
When you look at it like that, they have done well in relative terms. Eddie Howe’s side got to two cup quarter finals, while they still have a chance of qualifying for Europe. With seven games to go, Newcastle are two points behind sixth.
Qualifying for Europe would be a major achievement, and it would be even more impressive given how long we have been without Tonali. He is set to return early next season, with his ban coming to an end on August 27th.
While it is a cliche, he will be like a new signing when he returns. We did not truly get to see what he is capable of during his first 12 appearances, and he will certainly be more prepared now given the fact he has continued to train with the club and can now speak English.
This season has been so tough without Tonali, but the comeback could be very special next season. He will have the entire Toon Army behind him when he returns, and he will be incredibly motivated to make up for lost time.
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