Sandro Tonali’s road to redemption at Newcastle has not yet reached its end

Sandro Tonali had made just 12 appearances for Newcastle before the implementation of his ban for breaching betting rules. Photograph: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United/Getty Images

When Eddie Howe started explaining how he had fallen head over heels in love, everyone in the room knew he really meant it. Newcastle’s manager is a stranger to hyperbole, does not really do anecdotes and rarely reveals anything personal so this had to be something exceptional.

It was last August and Howe was discussing his new £53m signing, Sandro Tonali. “I went to watch AC Milan play and I fell in love with Sandro,” he enthused. “I was delighted, surprised and excited we we were able to sign him. He’s an outstanding talent.”