Sandro Tonali 'agreement' could see Italian leave Newcastle this summer - Report

Sandro Tonali's Newcastle United future has been the subject of a lot of speculation of late, stemming from a story on deadline day of the January transfer window linking him with a move to Arsenal.

The rumours were quickly dismissed as being just that, but then Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, kept leaving the door open for a move whenever he spoke about his future.

Since then, speculation has increased, and it seems as though a summer departure is becoming increasingly likely despite claims from inside Newcastle that Tonali is happy and committed to the club.

Now the Shields Gazette's Liam Kennedy has dropped a bombshell exclusive this afternoon on Sandro Tonali's future should we miss out on European football for 2026/27.

Tonali 'agreement' in place?

It was revealed recently that Tonali had signed a contract extension when he was serving his 10-month ban, which only made sense as he was going to miss practically an entire season's worth of football.

However, it's now looking like if Newcastle fails to qualify for Europe this season, he's unlikely to see out his contract at the club.

The Gazette report that Tonali and his representatives believe they have a 'gentleman's agreement' that the Italian can look for a new club should Newcastle fail to qualify for Europe.

We saw last season how destructive these 'gentlemen's agreements' can be, as Alexander Isak believed he'd been told he was owed something that never came his way, and look what happened with him.

Europa Conference League may not be enough

It's not mathematically impossible for Newcastle to reach the Champions League again, but it is highly unlikely, and while the Europa League may keep Tonali at the club another year, a place in the Europa Conference League may not.

After the Alexander Isak saga destroyed Newcastle's summer and adversely affected this season, Newcastle will be keen to avoid making the same mistake in the summer, and if Tonali pushes for a move, the club are likely to act quickly to find him an exit to draw a line under things.

We hope it doesn't come to this, as losing Isak one year and Tonali the next wouldn't feel like we're moving in the right direction at all.