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Newcastle have issued a response to suggestions that there is a gentleman’s agreement for Sandro Tonali to leave the club in the summer, even as he continues to be strongly linked with a move to Manchester United.
Priority target
United are expected to prioritise midfield reinforcements in the upcoming window. Casemiro is set to leave at the end of the season and there is also uncertainty over Manuel Ugarte, whose days at Old Trafford appear to be numbered.
The Red Devils have been considering a number of players including Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).
However, a recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Tonali is the club’s top target. The report claimed that United are expected to make a formal approach for Tonali at the end of the season. It’s understood that Bruno Fernandes has approved a blockbuster swoop for the Italian.
Newcastle would prefer to retain Tonali, but if he seeks a move, they will do what is best for the club.
According to The Shields Gazette, there is a gentleman’s agreement in place between Tonali and Newcastle for the player to leave if the Magpies fail to secure European football this season.
United’s Tonali boost
The news outlet says, “The Gazette can exclusively reveal the Magpies’ midfielder, and his representatives, believe they have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in place with the club.”
“They understand that should Newcastle fail to qualify for Europe next season, they currently sit 12th in the division, the club will consider offers for the player, who, until recently, was seen by many as untouchable.”
“Without Champions League football, now near impossible, Europa League or Conference League – that last one might not even be enough to satisfy the player – Tonali expects to leave Tyneside. On the flip side, should Eddie Howe’s men end the campaign strongly, there’s every chance he stays.”
The Shields Gazette add that Newcastle will not hold on to Tonali as they did with Alexander Isak last season when he clamoured for a transfer to Liverpool. The Tyneseide outfit do not want to repeat the same mistake and if a player wants to leave, he will be allowed to depart.
This stance has strengthened the belief within Tonali’s camp that an exit will get over the line.
But, The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has argued the opposite, saying that there is no gentleman’s agreement between Tonali and Newcastle.
Edwards wrote on X, “Newcastle United official has communicated to media tonight that there is no gentleman’s agreement Sandro Tonali can leave this summer if club do not qualify for Europe.”
“That does not mean he won’t leave but he hasn’t said he wants to go and neither has there been any contact with #nufc from interested clubs at this stage.”
Newcastle United official has communicated to media tonight that there is no gentleman’s agreement Sandro Tonali can leave this summer if club do not qualify for Europe.
That does not mean he won’t leave but he hasn’t said he wants to go and neither has there been any contact…
— Luke Edwards (@LukeEdwardsTele) March 26, 2026
Tonali still has three years left on his Newcastle deal, leaving the club in a position of significant strength at the negotiating table.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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