Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Fri 27 March 2026 8:37, UK

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Sandro Tonali has likely intensified speculation surrounding his Newcastle United future after starring for Italy against Northern Ireland on Thursday.

Reports have emerged this week that the midfielder is keen on leaving the Magpies this summer, and even that he has an agreement with the club that his exit will be granted.

Manchester United have been named among the teams interested in the 25-year-old, who scored and assisted on Thursday.

Italy rode out 2-0 winners over Northern Ireland and will now play Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica on Tuesday to qualify for their first World Cup since 2014.

Tonali’s Newcastle form has slowed of late amid mounting doubt about his future at St James’ Park this summer.

Italian media stunned by Sandro Tonali

Ex-Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider in February that Tonali would be a loss for Newcastle if he is to depart this summer.

The midfielder has been superb for the Magpies this season amid several injury problems in the middle of the park, and he was a standout for Italy on Thursday.

The 25-year-old opened the scoring with a superb half-volley from the edge of the box, before later finding a brilliant long ball to Moise Kean, who sealed his team’s progression.

It was a display with everything from Tonali, who created several chances throughout his 82 minutes on the pitch.

But his defensive work did not go unnoticed, either. The Newcastle man completed six recoveries and made a number of other contributions to keep Italy ahead.

Italian website Corriere dello Sport gave Tonali a 7.5 rating for his performance against Northern Ireland, and wrote that he “scores and inspires”.

“The scream may not be Tardelli’s, but the roar is,” they added. “He sparks the game, putting Italy in the centre of the action. His pass to Kean makes it 2-0.”

Marco Tardelli’s iconic screaming celebration came after he had put Italy 2-0 ahead against West Germany at the 1982 World Cup final in Spain.

Newcastle cannot afford to lose Tonali

Through injury to both Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes this season, Tonali has remained the only constant in the Newcastle midfield.

The 25-year-old was missing against Chelsea and Sunderland, but he is expected to be back in the starting line-up against Crystal Palace.

For how long Eddie Howe can continue to pick Tonali after that, however, remains to be seen.

His loss in the summer would be a catastrophic one, and the Magpies must fight it as much as they can.