By admin 
Sandro Tonali is taking a’step backwards’ by switching from AC Milan to Newcastle United ahead of a £55 million transfer. According to Phillipe Albert, a former Magpies defender, the move to St James’ Park to compete in the Premier League is a’step ahead’ for the Italy international.
Tonali is likely to finalise his move to Newcastle in the coming days after agreeing to a six-year contract. The Serie A champion will give Eddie Howe fresh alternatives in midfield, with the possibility of pushing Bruno Guimaraes further forward.
Tonali’s signing sparked outrage in Italy, with national team manager Roberto Mancini calling it a ‘problem’ to see the country’s greatest players go for better opportunities elsewhere. However, like Albert, the ex-Manchester City manager recognized that the Premier League’s standard would benefit the midfielder’s development.
Albert spent five seasons with Newcastle beginning in 1994, and his incredible chip over Peter Schmeichel in the epic 5-0 thrashing of Manchester United remains one of the Premier League’s most memorable moments. The former Magpies defender, though, believes Tonali will be taking a step back by leaving one of Italy’s most prominent clubs.
“As for the championship, it’s a step forward, but the Premier League is unquestionably stronger,” he told Milan News. But Milan is still Milan, a club that has won many trophies and was the strongest team in the 1980s with the three Dutchmen, Baresi, and Maldini.
“And later yet. Newcastle are a fantastic club, however moving from Milan to Newcastle is now a step backwards. However, when a club is compelled to accept offers of $80 million, the player must do the same and consent to depart.”