Newcastle signs AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali as it prepares for Champions League return

By JAMES ROBSON
AP Soccer Writer

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Saudi-backed Newcastle has spent big to sign Sandro Tonali from AC Milan and take the midfielder away from the club he supported as a child. The club says the Italy international had joined for an undisclosed fee and signed a contract until 2028. The fee is reportedly up to $76.3 million. Newcastle is preparing for life back in the Champions League after qualifying for European club soccer’s elite competition for first time since 2003 last season. Tonali was part of Milan’s Italian league title-winning team of 2022. The former Brescia player has made 14 appearances for his country. Tonali is Newcastle’s first major signing this off-season as manager Eddie Howe aims to build a squad capable of competing in the Premier League and Europe.