Sandro Tonali: The Player Player Player who signed the contract during the betting ban

Newscastle United Midfielder Sandro Tonali has signed a contract extension during his transfer window which means his deal could run until 2030.

Tonali joined Newcastle on an initial five-year deal after completing a £55m move from AC Milan in July, 2023.

But the Italian was later banned for 10 months in October of that year by the Italian Football Federation (FigC) for violating betting rules.

Newcastle have supported Tonali through his suspension and it is known that the two parties are sitting down to discuss a contract extension with a ban on his ban.

Tonali, wanting to repay the faith shown by the club in him, extended his contract by one year until 2029.

The club also has the option to trigger a further 12-month extension in 2030.

Although Newcastle could still look to sit down to discuss fresh terms with Tonali in the future, the club is not in a vulnerable position where he has two years left on his contract.

This gives Newcastle added protection after Tonali became a Pivotal Player under Head Coach Eddie Howe.

“His physicality is one of the standout characteristics that he has,” the source said earlier this month. “He’s always made the difference for us that way.

“Most of the midfielders should have the element of athleticism and good gear change when we are faced, or when we need to continue.

“He has a quick change of gear but then you add his technical ability and tactical understanding, it makes him a great player.”