NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Eddie Howe, head coach of Newcastle United, speaks with Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United after the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park on October 29, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe insists midfielder Sandro Tonali is happy at the club after saying he will view his future “year on year” this week.
Tonali, 25, was man of the match in Wednesday’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Athletic Club and has shown himself to be a critical player for Newcastle since returning from a 10-month ban for gambling offences in August 2024.
It emerged recently that Tonali had signed a one-year extension to his contract at St James’ Park, tying him down until 2029 with a unilateral option of a further year.
The Italy midfielder was honest in his response to questions over his long-term future by refusing to make a promise he will stay for 10 years, which has caused debate among fans who are concerned he could leave, but Howe is not concerned.
“I’m always comfortable with honesty,” Howe said. “None of us can make any massive statements about the future because life is so unpredictable and football is at the sharp end of that.
“Sandro has been honest. He is happy which is the key thing, he is enjoying his football. When I see him every day I see a player that feels fulfilled, happy with the team he is in, his team-mates and his environment.
“He loves it here in Newcastle. Our challenge is to keep providing that environment and his job is to keep playing well.”
Howe added that he is not concerned about players wanting to leave if the club fails to qualify for the Champions League again.
“I don’t think it is our job to keep any player happy in terms of where we finish in the league. The players themselves, me included to find a way to be successful with the team we have.
“Off the pitch, we have to provide the environment all the players enjoy and want to be part of.
Anthony Gordon is a doubt for Newcastle United’s trip to Brentford on Sunday with a hip injury and faces a scan.
Gordon was substituted in the first half on Wednesday and may be forced to sit out the match at the Gtech Community Stadium.
“We don’t think it’s a serious injury,” Howe said.
“We’re going to get him scanned an we’re awaiting the results. There’s every chance he might miss out on Sunday but we’ll give him every opportunity to be fit.”
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Mikel Jauregizar of Athletic Club takes on Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Newcastle United FC and Athletic Club at St James’ Park on November 05, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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Sandro Tonali comments a warning that Newcastle United must strive for better
Having spoken about his new deal at Newcastle on Wednesday, Tonali clearly wasn’t looking to fuel any fire over his future.
His answer to a question over his long term future was honest; of course he won’t commit to saying he will stay for a decade, but in the same answer didn’t rule out staying for the five years which could well be on his contract.
He also reiterated how happy he is at Newcastle, as Howe said, and how he is playing for his team-mates and the supporters.
But there has to be a dose of reality about Tonali’s standing at Newcastle and what he can achieve in his career.
While Howe is right to point out that success on Tyneside comes from collective responsibility and Tonali is part of that, his level is so high that any drop in standard will leave Newcastle vulnerable to interest from elsewhere.
Tonali is arguably Newcastle’s best player and greatest ever midfielder. He needs to continue showing his world class qualities, but the club must evolve consistently to avoid another big star angling to move after Alexander Isak’s exit last summer.