Ex-PL CEO: Newcastle’s off‑field uncertainty fuels concern, Tonali expected to leave

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Credit: Imago Keith Wyness: Newcastle United should have ‘bitten the bullet’ on training ground plans as Sandro Tonali exit fears grow Sat 4 April 2026 8:00, UK Newcastle United’s owners should have shown more ambition in order to convince players to remain at the club.That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes a new training ground would have been a “big sign” of ambition to the squad.It comes amid speculation over Sandro Tonali’s future, with the midfielder attracting interest from Premier League rivals Manchester City and Manchester United.Newcastle have plans to build a state-of-the-art training facility, and either redevelop St James’ Park or build a new stadium in the city centre.However, neither project has got past the planning stage in what could prove to be a boost to attracting players to Newcastle in the future. 🔄 Newcastle Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Newcastle United boardroom. VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Sandro Tonali uncertainty ‘affecting the Newcastle squad’Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes further work should have been completed on Newcastle’s plans for a new training ground.Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness states there is a “big concern” about an agreement that the club would consider offers for Tonali if they miss out on European qualification.Games Started29Successful Passes84.9%Chances Created26Dispossessed17Defensive Contributions88Sandro Tonali’s 2025-26 Premier League stats for Newcastle.He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It was supposedly a gentleman’s agreement with Amanda Staveley that led to the problems with Isak.

And they have to accept that and it will be a loss. They stuck by him, but he’s played well for Newcastle.

And that’s why things like the training ground would have been a big sign to the squad, to the players and to all the staff in the club, because that’s where they spend the majority of their time. “It’s a big decision.