Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Fri 27 March 2026 11:15, UK

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Newcastle United fans will already be getting flashbacks to last summer’s Alexander Isak saga as they see how Sandro Tonali’s situation is developing.

The Italy international has been heavily linked with a move away from St James’ Park this summer, with reports emerging of an apparent gentleman’s agreement that he can leave if the Magpies miss out on European football.

Newcastle have since denied these rumours, but speculation surrounding Tonali is expected to continue, with Manchester United reportedly among the interested clubs.

The Red Devils are reportedly ready to make their move for the Italian this summer amid the upcoming departure of Casemiro.

Newcastle transfer chiefs will be surveying the situation closely, with a repeat of the Isak saga the last thing anybody at St James’ Park wants.

Newcastle brief journalists amid Sandro Tonali uncertainty

Former Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider in February that Tonali is keen to join Man United this summer.

There has been speculation surrounding the midfielder for several months now, with his agent appearing to fuel the fire recently.

In February, Giuseppe Riso said that “we’ll decide what to do in the summer”, after he was asked about links to Arsenal and Manchester City.

And after news broke of the reported gentleman’s agreement between Newcastle and Tonali, the club moved to quell the speculation.

According to Luke Edwards of The Telegraph, an official from the club briefed the media on Thursday night that there is no such agreement.

The journalist continued and said that Tonali has not asked to leave, and that there has not yet been any contact from interested clubs.

However, the situation is already beginning to look messy for Newcastle, and it does not look like one to go away quietly.

Why the Alexander Isak situation cannot be repeated

Isak finally got his move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day, after a summer-long saga which had huge ramifications at St James’ Park.

Newcastle had been insistent that the Swede would be staying put, but after the Reds registered their interest, he began to make his feelings known.

At first, it was training away from his team, before it was refusing to attend the pre-season tour, and ultimately missing the Premier League opener.

Newcastle continued to bat away interest, even when Isak released a public statement all but demanding the move, but the Magpies finally relented after signing Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.

The damage has been done. A summer of distraction and two signings who have struggled to adapt has been followed by a season of disappointment.

Newcastle can simply not afford to go through that again. Whether it is deciding that Tonali will stay no matter what or reluctantly agreeing to his departure for the right fee, a call must be made.