Zlatan Ibrahimovic tells Newcastle fans exactly what to expect from £60m Sandro Tonali

Legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has given his verdict on whether big-money incoming signing Sandro Tonali will be a success at Newcastle.

The Tyneside outfit are close to completing a £60million deal for the AC Milan and Italy midfielder as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen his starting XI ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League.

Tonali is expected to be one of at least three top signings at St James’ Park this summer, with the likes of James Maddison and Kieran Tierney also on the club’s radar.

There were also suggestions on Monday that Howe is looking to hijack Manchester United’s move for outstanding Napoli centre-back Kim min-Jae.

However, it appears that Tonali will be first through the door, with the Italian set to be a major upgrade on Newcastle’s current midfield.

And Zlatan certainly feels that his former teammate at the San Siro has what it takes to be a hit in England.

The Swede, who retired from the game aged 41 earlier this month, was speaking at a commercial event in Bergamo, as relayed by Calciomercato, when he spoke about Tonali‘s impending move.

He said: “Is he ready for the Premier League? Yes, I think so. Sure, it depends on him.

“I made him understand the right mentality he must have in order to win, and he won.

“He grew up a lot with Milan, he has a great responsibility and still has to grow, but in England he will do it, and he will do it well.”

Some positive words from the great man in terms of what Newcastle supporters can expect from Tonali.

The 23-year-old was part of a Milan side that tasted Serie A glory in 2022 and also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.

He is also played nearly 20 games in the Champions League and will be able to pass on that experience to his new teammates.

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