Sandro Tonali’s agent speaks out - Italian media release quotes on Newcastle future

Sandro Tonali’s future at Newcastle United has come under increased uncertainty in the last few months.

It started on deadline day with some tenuous links to Arsenal, and it’s starting to seem inevitable that Tonali’s future becomes one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer.

All this speculation hasn’t been helped by the words of Tonali’s agent Guiseppe Riso, who many feel is touting his client to other clubs at every possible turn.

And the Italian’s latest comments certainly won’t have done him any favours in the eyes of the fanbase. But has it all been blown slightly out of proportion?

Riso: Tonali left for England to become a star 

Speaking to the Italian media, Tonali’s agent Guiseppe Riso was asked about what’s in store for Tonali in the coming months and beyond.

Tonali’s market value and reputation have skyrocketed in past year and a half since his return from his gambling suspension, and he’s attracted suitors from both England and abroad.

And it seems Riso would be keen to capitalise on the high interest in Tonali’s signature before it’s too late.

“The deal came about because a club like Newcastle with unlimited financial resources had decided to invest in Sandro. We considered the idea of ​​having the player play in a higher-level league.”

When pressed on if his client already played for a big club like Newcastle, and had become a star in the process, Riso added:

“Exactly. That was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he’s the Italian footballer with one of the highest values ​​in the world.”

“In England, the mentality is different, and every time Sandro entered the stadium, despite his suspension, he received a standing ovation from the crowd. We’re talking about a guy who made a mistake, the fans noticed, and he was forgiven. Now, Sandro has completely changed.”

Head turned? Or more lost in translation?

On the surface, fans will be quick to jump on Tonali and Risso’s comments as the clearest sign yet that our star’s head has been turned, and the agent is looking for a way out for his client.

But similar to January’s comments, it feels like Riso’s words, whilst not the most endearing, do still highlight that we are a big club and place where Tonali is more than happy to play at.

It will be interesting to see how Howe and the higher-ups perceive Riso’s words however, as even if he’s speaking to the media with the absolute best intentions, the media storm surrounding Tonali and his future won’t be good for the player or the squad as a whole.