Sandro Tonali has opened up about his mindset at Newcastle United and the impact of intense transfer speculation surrounding his future, insisting he has made major personal changes since returning from his long suspension.
The Italian midfielder, who has been one of the most talked-about players at St James’ Park this season, says he has deliberately stepped away from social media in a bid to stay focused on football and avoid the constant noise surrounding his name.
Tonali’s future has been a major talking point in recent months, with reports linking him to clubs including Arsenal and Manchester City. The speculation has only grown as Newcastle’s season has taken a mixed direction, with the club currently sitting outside the European qualification places.
The midfielder himself previously added fuel to the conversation earlier in the campaign when he was cautious about committing long-term to the Magpies. Since then, his agent has also spoken publicly about the possibility of a summer move, further intensifying debate around his future at the club.
However, Tonali’s latest comments suggest a shift in focus and mentality. Speaking to Sky Sports, he explained that he has changed his daily routine and approach to handling pressure, particularly in relation to social media and external criticism.
“I don’t look at social media, I don’t like it,” Tonali said. “After my ban, I changed everything with social media. I just go to training and then go home and be with my family. My life is much better now.”
His remarks highlight a more grounded approach as he looks to rebuild consistency on the pitch and avoid distractions off it. Tonali also acknowledged that transfer rumours are part of modern football, especially for high-profile players performing at the top level.
“In football, if you play well, you have to deal with the transfer rumours,” he added. “But if you concentrate 100 per cent on your game, and you’re happy, you don’t have to think about anything or speak about anything.”
Newcastle’s own situation adds further intrigue to the saga. The club’s inconsistent league form has left their European hopes uncertain, a factor that has reportedly been mentioned in discussions around player futures. With several key names already linked with potential exits, including Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento, the summer could prove to be a pivotal period for the squad.
Club officials are believed to be keen to avoid a situation where key players leave under pressure, but it is also understood that any departure would only be considered if valuation demands are met.
For now, Tonali appears focused on stability rather than speculation. His performances remain crucial to Newcastle’s hopes of finishing the season strongly, and his ability to stay mentally clear could be just as important as his contribution on the pitch.
Whether his long-term future remains on Tyneside or elsewhere, the midfielder’s message is clear: he is blocking out the noise and concentrating fully on football.
