Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has assigned blame to outgoing Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth for the signing of Sandro Tonali.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – revealed figures both inside and outside St James’ Park “can’t believe” that “due diligence” wasn’t done during the signing of the midfield star.
Tonali, 23, is banned until August after admitting betting rule breaches in Italy last year (2023).
He also admitted a breach in England but escaped a further suspension – and was instead given a suspended two-month ban by the FA on 2 May.
The FA revealed the Italy international placed bets worth more than €100,000 (£85,600) after arriving at Newcastle last July for a reported £55million.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 2nd November that Newcastle had launched an internal investigation into the Tonali deal, with Ashworth and recruitment chief Steve Nickson both under fire over the transfer.
This news was subsequently confirmed by the club two days later.
Wyness ‘can’t believe’ Ashworth sanctioned Tonali deal at Newcastle
Wyness claimed Tonali “will be like a new signing” for Newcastle when he returns later this year.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “From what I know, the Tonali situation has raised many eyebrows at Newcastle and outside of the club.
“They can’t believe his problems weren’t picked up on in the recruitment process. That’s the sort of thing a sporting director should have done his due diligence on.
“You’ve got to assess the mental state of a player, the rumours, the gossip.
“When I did major transfers, that was something I always had to look at and find any potential risks.
“It’s been a big issue for Newcastle because he was an expensive acquisition.
“I think it’s a football cliche – but he will be like a new signing.
“Tonali could be a very important force for Newcastle, it just depends on his confidence and mental state.
“He obviously has talent, he’s a gifted player – so I hope he has a good comeback.”
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has assigned blame to outgoing Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth for the signing of Sandro Tonali.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – revealed figures both inside and outside St James’ Park “can’t believe” that “due diligence” wasn’t done during the signing of the midfield star.
Tonali, 23, is banned until August after admitting betting rule breaches in Italy last year (2023).
He also admitted a breach in England but escaped a further suspension – and was instead given a suspended two-month ban by the FA on 2 May.
The FA revealed the Italy international placed bets worth more than €100,000 (£85,600) after arriving at Newcastle last July for a reported £55million.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 2nd November that Newcastle had launched an internal investigation into the Tonali deal, with Ashworth and recruitment chief Steve Nickson both under fire over the transfer.
This news was subsequently confirmed by the club two days later.
Wyness ‘can’t believe’ Ashworth sanctioned Tonali deal at Newcastle
Wyness claimed Tonali “will be like a new signing” for Newcastle when he returns later this year.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “From what I know, the Tonali situation has raised many eyebrows at Newcastle and outside of the club.
“They can’t believe his problems weren’t picked up on in the recruitment process. That’s the sort of thing a sporting director should have done his due diligence on.
“You’ve got to assess the mental state of a player, the rumours, the gossip.
“When I did major transfers, that was something I always had to look at and find any potential risks.
“It’s been a big issue for Newcastle because he was an expensive acquisition.
“I think it’s a football cliche – but he will be like a new signing.
“Tonali could be a very important force for Newcastle, it just depends on his confidence and mental state.
“He obviously has talent, he’s a gifted player – so I hope he has a good comeback.”
