Champions League qualification will determine whether Sandro Tonali joins Manchester United this summer, according to a former Premier League chief executive.
Wyness Reveals the Key Factor That Will Take Tonali to Old Trafford
Keith Wyness, who previously held top roles at Everton and Aston Villa, believes the midfielder’s next move hinges entirely on which club secures a top-four finish.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Wyness claimed that Tonali actively wants to play in Europe’s elite competition, and that desire will force a decision.
Newcastle United currently face an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League. Eddie Howe’s side risk losing the Italian international if they fall short.
Meanwhile, Manchester United sit inside the Premier League’s top four and show positive form under interim boss Michael Carrick.
Wyness explained that the contrasting league positions put Newcastle in “greater jeopardy” than their rivals. He stated that this discrepancy will act as the deciding factor for the player.
“I think it would be a loss for Newcastle,” Wyness told Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast.
“Look, they’ve been through a lot with him. They supported him fully when he had some issues off the pitch, and I think he respects that.
But still, players have to move on, and they make decisions as they see fit.”
The former chief executive stressed the importance of Champions League football for a player of Tonali’s caliber.
He believes the opportunity to join United’s project under Carrick will prove too tempting if they secure a place at Europe’s top table.
“If United make the Champions League, then I think that would be the deciding factor for Tonali going to United,” Wyness added.
“I think Newcastle are going to be in much greater jeopardy of making that Champions League next year.
So I think Tonali does want that Champions League football. I think that could be the deciding factor.”
A move to Old Trafford would represent a significant blow for Newcastle, who backed the player during his off-field struggles.
The potential exit adds to concerns on Tyneside, with reports suggesting striker Nick Woltemade could also seek a return to Germany.
The 24-year-old, who joined from Stuttgart last August, has attracted interest from Bayern Munich despite scoring seven Premier League goals this season.
