The Milan midfield is still reeling from the loss of Sandro Tonali, who was sold to Newcastle United for a boatload of money last summer and then was suspended for a year for betting. Former club legend Zvonimir Boban, who’s a pundit for Sky after working for UEFA and a short stint at the club, revealed the Rossoneri beat Juventus to sign the midfielder in the first place (via OneFootball).
“Milan sold Tonali, who’s the best Italian player and was very attached to their colors. It’s a pity to see him away from San Siro. You pay the price for these things. He turned down a transfer to Juventus to join them. The Bianconeri had offered €42M to Brescia. You must never lose those values. They have big problems.”
The Rossoneri eventually acquired Tonali for €20M with the formula of a loan with an obligation to buy. They got a discount because he didn’t pan out right away. He spent 3 seasons with them, racking up 130 appearances, 7 goals, and 13 assists and contributing to one Scudetto.
The ownership eventually decided to cash in on him when Newcastle United came forward, accepting a €64M bid plus €6M add-ons and a 10 percent resale clause.
Our Take on Milan and Tonali
The numbers are likely a bit off, but he was surely coveted by most top Italian sides when he was a Brescia. The suspension reduced the immediate sting of his departure, but the hole is still there. Their current midfielders aren’t close to his peak version.
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