Manchester United are unlikely to spend £100 million to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United this summer, according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson insisted that the Red Devils would not be willing to meet such a steep price for the 26-year-old Italy international, despite the midfielder being a key figure for the Magpies.
Tonali has remained a standout performer for Newcastle this season, even as the club has struggled for form and risks missing out on European qualification. He was instrumental in their recent 3-1 FA Cup victory over Aston Villa, scoring twice. Yet, Borson believes that United’s growing financial strength—even with a potential Champions League qualification—would not change their stance.
“There’s no way United are going to do it. You can be sure about that,” Borson said. “He’s 26 years old in May. Even if the club had the budget, I don’t think that’s the sort of transfer they would pursue.
Tonali is a very good player, but in my view, he’s no way a £100 million player. There are only a handful of players worth that kind of money, usually strikers or world-class talents in extremely competitive markets, like Alexander Isak. Tonali is just one of several quality midfielders out there, and he doesn’t warrant a six-figure fee of that magnitude.”
Part of Newcastle’s ability to demand such a high fee comes from Tonali’s long-term contract, which runs until 2029 with an option for an additional year.
This contract was agreed during his ban for illegal betting, safeguarding the club financially. As a result, the Magpies hold all the cards and are under no immediate pressure to sell the midfielder.
While United could theoretically afford a big-money move, Borson suggests it’s highly unlikely that Tonali will move to Old Trafford, unless Newcastle alter their valuation or another club is willing to match the asking price in the months ahead.
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