“I saw him sad” – Sandro Tonali’s agent opens up on difficult Newcastle move

Sandro Tonali's agent, Beppe Riso, revealed that the midfielder struggled emotionally after joining Newcastle United and ultimately departed for Tottenham Hotspur because Newcastle had not met expectations. Speaking on the Colpi da Maestro podcast, Riso explained that Tonali looked sad during his initial weeks away from boyhood club AC Milan before adjusting. Riso stated that unfulfilled club ambitions prompted the permanent summer transfer to Tottenham.

Riso also disclosed that Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi played a decisive role in the transfer by visiting Tonali at his home. In reaction, writer Phil Huggan expressed frustration with Riso's comments, arguing that Newcastle stood by Tonali during his ten-month betting ban and questioning De Zerbi's direct pursuit of a contracted player.