The word was that it had been an arranged marriage, organised behind Sandro Tonali’s back. Throughout Newcastle’s pre-season tour of the United States Eddie Howe’s £55m Italy midfielder appeared dispirited at times, surly even. It seemed his affections still lay elsewhere.
Italian journalists reported that the 23-year-old turned tearful when Milan told him the offer from north‑east England was too good to reject and Tonali subsequently described the move as a “very difficult decision” and the “start of a hard uphill journey”.
