Sandro Tonali reportedly wants to “return to his beloved Milan” as Eddie Howe “fails to meet his ambitions” at Newcastle amid deadly redundancy rumors.
Tonali Howe has also used him sparingly this season after missing much of his first season at St James’ Park following a ten-month ban for breaching betting regulations.
He has started six of the 13 Premier League games he has played in, and has failed to score and provided just two assists in 15 games this season.
The 24-year-old’s only goal since opening the scoring in a stunning individual and collective performance in last season’s 5-1 win over Aston Villa on the opening day of last season came for his country.
Read more: Sandro Tonali’s second appearance is far from ‘perfect’ and Newcastle are better off without him
Tonali has become a key part of Luciano Spalletti’s Italy squad, starting all Nations League games and scoring the only goal against Belgium.
Gazzetta dello Sport Suggesting his “main role” with the national team has increased his desire to get more game time at club level.
Newcastle are said to have “caused him grief” and he now wants to “return to his beloved Milan”, with the Serie A giants “keen to get him back at the center of operations” and sold him to Newcastle for £55m. Summer 2023.
The report added that Howe “felt his contribution to the team was insufficient” and conversely the Magpies boss “was unable to meet his ambitions”.
As Tonali prepared to bow out, “even the fans started muttering that they saw the Saudi team’s goal tally shrinking severely”.
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Earlier this year, Tonali spoke about his difficult debut season in England.
He said: “Last year was a very difficult but productive journey. I will always remember the year I spent on the sidelines because it is right not to forget it.
“I think when a player trains all week without an end goal, which is playing, he finds himself feeling empty inside.
“It’s not easy that first year away from home, not playing official games and just trying to stay healthy. It’s a challenge I have to take as seriously as possible.”
Howe shut down reports earlier this season that the midfielder could exit in January.
“It’s news to me. It’s not something I’m thinking about. After Sandro was suspended, I was trying to integrate him into the team,” Howe said. “He has performed very well in the last few games. I am very happy with his performance in the team.
“He’s building new relationships. Not just the players who are joining the team, but the players around Sandro and how those relationships are starting to form. I’m delighted with how they’re doing.”
