Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has reportedly signed a significant contract extension, a remarkable development considering it occurred during his ongoing betting ban. Tonali initially joined the club on a five-year deal in July 2023 for a reported £55 million from Italian giants AC Milan. However, his promising start was disrupted when the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) imposed a 10-month ban in October 2023 for breaching strict betting regulations.

Despite this setback, Newcastle United demonstrated unwavering support for their high-profile summer signing. This commitment was further solidified when the club and player engaged in discussions about a potential contract extension during Tonali’s suspension. Sources indicate that Tonali, eager to reciprocate the faith shown by Newcastle, agreed to extend his contract by an additional year, extending its duration until 2029.

To further secure their investment, Newcastle United included an option to trigger a 12-month extension, potentially keeping Tonali at St. James’ Park until the summer of 2030. This strategic move provides the club with long-term stability, preventing a scenario where they might face a vulnerable negotiating position with only two years left on Tonali’s contract in upcoming transfer windows.

Head coach Eddie Howe has consistently praised Tonali’s contributions, emphasizing his growing importance to the squad. Howe recently highlighted the midfielder’s impact, stating, “His physicality is one of his standout attributes. He continually makes a difference for us in that way.” Howe also commended Tonali’s qualities as a “really good player,” noting his athleticism, ability to shift gears during counterattacks or offensive plays, impressive technical proficiency, and deep tactical understanding of the game.