The highly-rated Italian prodigy has put pen to paper on a loan move to Rossoneri.
AC Milan have officially signed Sandro Tonali from Brescia on a season-long loan for €10m. The Rossoneri have the option to buy the Italian wonderkid permanently for €15m.
Tonali had been the subject of interest from Europe’s elite clubs after an impressive season in Serie A, which eventually saw him play for the Italian national team as well.
Juventus and Inter Milan were heavily interested in recruiting the 20-year-old, with the latter one led by Antonio Conte showing more ambition.
However, AC Milan edged out their arch-rivals to sign Tonali thanks to his love for the club from his childhood days.
Milan’s CEO Ivan Gazidis said,
We are delighted to welcome Sandro Tonali to AC Milan. He is one of the most promising young talents in international football. Sandro has a love for the Club and an understanding of its values that will add to what we want to build together. Welcome, Sandro!”.
Paolo Maldini, Milan’s technical director and former player, is also delighted about the signing.
We are excited to welcome Sandro to the Rossoneri family. As a talented, young midfielder he will not only embrace the values of AC Milan but also make a significant contribution to the future success of the Club.”
Tonali has reportedly rejected the offers from clubs like Manchester United in favour of a move to Rossoneri. Having already drawn comparisons with Andrea Pirlo, with Pirlo himself happy about it, Tonali is now heading to the club which shaped Pirlo into a world-class midfielder.
Pirlo on his comparisons with Tonali:
“It is said that he may be my heir, but I don’t see many things in common,”
He is another type of player. He is much more complete both in the defensive phase and when he sets up. He is a mix between my characteristics and those of other players.
“He is the most promising of midfielders. He will surely become a great player.”
The statement could be true as Tonali stands out defensively than Pirlo and is also effective in transitions.
The Italian wunderkind will now move to Rossoneri, which is already swarmed with midfielders like Ismael Bennacer, Rade Krunic, Franck Kessie and another latest addition Brahim Diaz.
It will be interesting to see how Tonali will fit into the plans of Stefano Pioli in the upcoming season.
