‘You can be sure of it’ – Update on Man United signing Sandro Tonali amid ‘£100m’ claim
Man United will not be paying £100million to acquire Sandro Tonali in the summer from Newcastle.
This is according to former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Red Devils would be unwilling to pay such a high price for the 26-year-old.
The Magpies’ central midfielder’s future has been widely speculated upon in recent weeks, with Newcastle falling out of form and at risk of not qualifying for Europe this season.
However, unless their valuation on Tonali changes, Michael Carrick’s side are unlikely to make a move anytime soon.
Stefan Borson: Man United will not pay £100m for Sandro Tonali
Tonali has long been one of Newcastle’s key players.
Despite the Magpies’ dip in form this season, the Italy international has remained a top player and netted twice on the weekend in their 3-1 victory over Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
Now, while Man United are on the ascendency, and could easily qualify for the Champions League, their improved financial capabilities are unlikely to result in Tonali’s arrival at Old Trafford.
🇮🇹🚀 Sandro Tonali (25) scores from outside the box for Newcastle. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/jCFUaGCXRl
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) February 14, 2026
When asked if the Red Devils would splash £100m on Tonali, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “There’s no way United are going to do it. You can be sure about that. I mean, he’s 26 years old in May.
“There’s no way they’re going to pay £100 million, even if they could. And they might be able to if they get into the Champions League. Their budgets are going to be significant. But I don’t think that’s the sort of play that they would target.
“I don’t think anybody’s going to pay £100m for it. I don’t know why you would.
“Good player, but he’s no way he’s a £100m player in my view.
“I was saying to Sandro ‘you never score goals’, and today he scored two!”
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 14, 2026
Nick Woltemade and Sandro Tonali are full of compliments for each other after Newcastle’s 3-1 victory over Aston Villa 🤝
🎙@Becky_Ives_ | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/GpOwdCSUie
There are just too many people who you can immediately grab for £100m as being the new valuation of players. Very, very few players are worth or are going to be sold for £100m, they’re super rare situations; they all have their own individual aspects to them.
“Usually there’s an element of competition, or they’re arguably the best striker around, know, in the case of [Alexander] Isak.
“Tonali is just one of a number of quite good midfield players. There’s no way he’s a £100m player at 26 years old.”
- Read more: Michael Carrick now odds-on favourite for permanent Man United job amid managerial latest
Tonali still holds a long-term contract at Newcastle
One of the reasons Newcastle are able to demand such a high fee is due to the fact that Tonali has a contract until 2029 at St James’ Park, with the option of an additional year.
This deal was agreed in secret during his ban for illegal betting, to protect the Magpies financially.
Therefore, Newcastle still hold all the cards and are under no pressure to sell the midfielder.
However, it remains to be seen if they alter their valuation of the midfielder over the coming months, or if a club is willing to meet their asking price.