Sandro Tonali found his first weeks at Newcastle United difficult after leaving Milan, but the move to the Premier League and his subsequent transfer to Tottenham Hotspur ultimately proved to be the right decisions, according to his agent Beppe Riso.
The Italy midfielder had grown up supporting Milan in nearby Brescia and did not hesitate when the club offered him the chance to join. He later helped the Rossoneri win the Serie A title.
That background made the decision to leave for Newcastle United a difficult one when the English club made a substantial offer in the summer of 2023. Tonali was an important member of Milan’s Scudetto-winning team and initially had reservations about moving on.
“We made the first step because we realised that Milan were becoming different,” Riso told the Colpi da Maestro podcast.
“I know Milan well, and this was not giving the same sensations as that historic club. Talking to Sandro, we considered that going to the Premier League was a fascinating challenge. He had courage to go, because he was one of the most important players in the Scudetto-winning side, but he was a visionary.”
Riso said Tonali needed time to adjust to life in England and admitted the midfielder was unhappy during the early part of his Newcastle United spell.
“It was very difficult for him, in the first few weeks he was sad, but he got a handle on things and made his mark, as always.”
Reports put the total value of Newcastle United’s deal for Tonali at €67m plus add-ons. Three years later, Tottenham Hotspur are reported to have paid €108m to sign the same player.
Riso described that transfer as significant not only because of the fee involved, but also because of the expectations placed on Tonali.
“It was a crazy move for the numbers, but also for the responsibility,” he added.
“When you talk to Sandro and explain your vision, you take responsibility. It was complicated during those first few weeks when I saw how sad he was, but after a while he got used to it and it proved to be the right choice.”
According to Riso, Tonali’s initial struggles in Newcastle were not unusual for him. The midfielder had also found it difficult to adapt when he moved from Brescia to Milan.
“He didn’t do that well the first year, but you could sense in his attitude that he was different from the other lads. When you get close to him, you recognise he is a champion and a great man.”