Fans react as Newcastle signing Sandro Tonali goes 'on holiday' after just 24 hours on Tyneside

Newcastle’s big-money new signing Sandro Tonali was allowed to go on holiday just 24 hours after signing for the club.

Last week Newcastle completed the £55million signing of AC Milan midfielder Tonali on a five-year contract.

Tonali, who has become the most expensive Italian footballer of all time, helped Milan win Serie A in 2021-22 and was part of the side which reached last season's Champions League semi-finals.

Upon signing the midfielder told the club website: "I want to repay the trust on the pitch, giving it my all, as I always have. I'm really excited about playing at St. James' Park, I can't wait to feel the warmth of the fans."

Despite his comments, fans joked that the 23-year-old will be on the first plane back to Italy after arriving in the UK to blustery conditions last week.

And people on Twitter were quick to react when Sky Sports claimed Tonali spent around 24 hours on Tyneside before being told to take a week-long holiday.

The Italian met some of his team-mates last week while at the training ground to sign his contract, but then departed on holiday and is yet to arrive back for the start of pre-season.

Indeed, Newcastle have given extended time off to all their players that were involved in international duty over the summer.

That hasn’t stopped fans on Twitter from joking that Tonali already feels unsettled on Tyneside.

One wrote: “Tonali is giving me big Di Maria [at Man Utd] vibes at Newcastle.”

Another said: “Tonali being sold by AC Milan is so crazy man. He hates being in Newcastle and the season hasn’t started yet.”

One person added: “Quite clear Tonali doesn't want to be in Newcastle.”

A fourth person wrote: “I don't think I've ever seen a player like Sandro Tonali, look so disappointed in a transfer. He clearly doesn't want to be there. Newcastle should've pulled out after he said he really didn't wanna leave AC Milan.”