It’s going to be fascinating to see what becomes of Sandro Tonali at Newcastle United next season.
While the Italian will obviously need time to get back up to speed having played not a minute of competitive football since October, the pressure is on Tonali.
Clearly, given the nature of his ban, it would be unfair to instantly demand he starts putting in world class performances.
However, despite some flashes at times during the early part of his Newcastle career, it wasn’t always plain sailing for the former AC Milan midfielder.
Able to play football again in August, it will be interesting to see if Eddie Howe can properly integrate him into the team.
Missing out on Europe, however, has provided something of a blow.
How missing out on Europe will impact Sandro Tonali at Newcastle
Tonali’s ban lasts until Tuesday 27 August, 2024.
According to The Athletic, had Newcastle qualified for the Europa Conference League, they would have had to navigate a play-off for the competition on Thursday August 29.
That would have offered the midfielder a great chance to help build up his fitness but, clearly, is off the table now.
As a result, Newcastle will have to plan accordingly and potentially schedule more behind-closed-doors friendlies for Tonali to play in.
He is not allowed to play in friendlies open to the public until his ban is served.
Sandro Tonali is really impressing in training – but that alone won’t be enough
Insiders at St James’ Park are said to have been amazed by Tonali’s performances in training.
Still, that alone won’t be enough to save his Newcastle career.
Of far more importance is how he plays in the Premier League as Howe looks to improve on the seventh-placed finish he managed in the season just gone.
Fail to show why the club paid such big money to sign him and serious questions will need to be asked.
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