‘I’m mystified’ – Keith Wyness stunned Newcastle have ‘hidden great news’
Sandro Tonali’s long-term future at Newcastle United has been confirmed after the reveal of a secret deal.
Tonali has agreed a deal until 2029 at St James’ Park, with Eddie Howe’s side holding the option of a further 12 months.
The Italian midfielder has started eight out of Newcastle’s nine Premier League games this season.
He is fast becoming one of the best players in the league, which has caught the interest of some of the top clubs around Europe.
Sandro Tonali’s secret deal is mystifying
Last week, it was revealed that Tonali had signed a secret contract extension at Newcastle during his 10-month betting ban last year.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – is confused why the Magpies opted not to divulge the information earlier.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Newcastle could have announced Tonali’s new deal as soon as the ban expired, in August 2024.
Wyness added that despite the strange decision to hide the extension for so long, the outcome is very good for both the player and the club.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Well, this one did mystify me a little bit and I can only make an assumption here that they obviously had seen the evidence about the case, and they thought that he was going to be innocent.
“What mystifies me is why it wasn’t announced earlier. I really don’t understand why they would want to hide that because it’s great news. The fans would have been happy. Tonali would have been happy. So I don’t understand that part of the secrecy, but nevertheless, it’s done, and I think it’s great for Newcastle.
“It’s just a strange way to have gone about it, but the outcome is very good, I think, for everybody involved.
“It’s strange that this wasn’t announced even once the ban had been lifted and he was found innocent. All the good news could’ve come out at one time.”
Newcastle plan further contract talks
Meanwhile, Newcastle are working hard to tie other key players down to new contracts and deter outside interest.
New sporting director Ross Wilson is putting plans in place to discuss terms with a number of the Magpies squad.
Football Insider revealed on 24 October that Newcastle plan to begin contract talks with Guimaraes in the near future.
Tino Livramento is also likely to be offered a new deal at St James’ Park, with Howe desperate to keep hold of his best players.
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