Newcastle United’s head coach, Eddie Howe, has emphasized that midfielder Sandro Tonali is content with his current situation at the club, despite recent comments suggesting he would consider his future on a “year on year” basis.

The 25-year-old Tonali made a significant impact as the standout performer in Newcastle’s 2-0 Champions League triumph over Athletic Club on Wednesday. Since returning from a 10-month suspension for gambling violations in August 2024, Tonali has proven himself to be an invaluable asset to the team.

Recently, it was revealed that Tonali had extended his contract at St James’ Park by an additional year, securing his commitment to the club until 2029, with an option for a further year.

In his candid remarks about his long-term plans, Tonali stopped short of making a decade-long commitment to Newcastle, sparking mixed reactions among fans who worry about the possibility of his departure. However, Howe remains unfazed by these concerns.

“I value honesty above all,” Howe stated. “It’s impossible for any of us to make sweeping statements about the future given life’s unpredictability, especially in the fast-paced world of football.”

Howe further reassured fans, saying, “Sandro has been forthright about his feelings. He’s happy, which is what truly matters. Watching him daily, I see a player who is content, enjoying his time on the field, and is at ease with his teammates and the environment here.”

“Sandro has been honest. He is happy which is the key thing, he is enjoying his football. When I see him every day I see a player that feels fulfilled, happy with the team he is in, his team-mates and his environment.

“He loves it here in Newcastle. Our challenge is to keep providing that environment and his job is to keep playing well.”

Howe added that he is not concerned about players wanting to leave if the club fails to qualify for the Champions League again.

“I don’t think it is our job to keep any player happy in terms of where we finish in the league. The players themselves, me included to find a way to be successful with the team we have.

“Off the pitch, we have to provide the environment all the players enjoy and want to be part of.

Anthony Gordon is a doubt for Newcastle United’s trip to Brentford on Sunday with a hip injury and faces a scan.

Gordon was substituted in the first half on Wednesday and may be forced to sit out the match at the Gtech Community Stadium.

“We don’t think it’s a serious injury,” Howe said.

“We’re going to get him scanned an we’re awaiting the results. There’s every chance he might miss out on Sunday but we’ll give him every opportunity to be fit.”

Sandro Tonali comments a warning that Newcastle United must strive for better

Having spoken about his new deal at Newcastle on Wednesday, Tonali clearly wasn’t looking to fuel any fire over his future.

His answer to a question over his long term future was honest; of course he won’t commit to saying he will stay for a decade, but in the same answer didn’t rule out staying for the five years which could well be on his contract.

He also reiterated how happy he is at Newcastle, as Howe said, and how he is playing for his team-mates and the supporters.

But there has to be a dose of reality about Tonali’s standing at Newcastle and what he can achieve in his career.

While Howe is right to point out that success on Tyneside comes from collective responsibility and Tonali is part of that, his level is so high that any drop in standard will leave Newcastle vulnerable to interest from elsewhere.

Tonali is arguably Newcastle’s best player and greatest ever midfielder. He needs to continue showing his world class qualities, but the club must evolve consistently to avoid another big star angling to move after Alexander Isak’s exit last summer.