AC Milan are set to receive a small financial windfall if former midfielder Sandro Tonali secures a big-money move away from Newcastle United this summer, despite not having negotiated a sell-on clause when the Italy international left San Siro in 2023.
Tonali Transfer Saga Heats Up
Speculation over Tonali's future has intensified in recent weeks, with several top Premier League clubs circling. Tottenham Hotspur, under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, have already seen an opening offer rejected by Newcastle, with reports in Italy and the UK suggesting the bid was in the region of €86m to €92m.
But Spurs are not the only suitors. Manchester City, Manchester United, and Arsenal are all credited with an interest in the 26-year-old, who faces the prospect of a season without European football if he stays at St James’ Park. Newcastle narrowly avoided relegation in 2025/26 and finished outside the continental places.
Milan’s Sell-On Clause Absence
When AC Milan sold Tonali to Newcastle in the summer of 2023, the Rossoneri banked around €70m including bonuses. However, according to Calciomercato. com, the Italian giants did not insert a sell-on clause into the deal (a percentage of any future sale that would go back to the selling club). That decision initially appeared to leave Milan with no direct financial interest in any subsequent transfer.
Yet, as the rumour mill swirls, there is still a mechanism that will see a portion of any transfer fee filter back to the seven-time European champions.
The FIFA Solidarity Payment Explained
Under FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, any time a player transfers internationally before the end of his contract, 5% of the total transfer fee is set aside as a solidarity contribution. That sum is then distributed among the clubs that trained the player between the ages of 12 and 23, proportionate to the number of years he spent at each club during that window.
Tonali spent his formative years at Brescia (from age 12 to 20) before joining Milan in 2020, where he remained until his 23rd birthday. Under the solidarity rules, Milan would be entitled to a share of the 5% pot for the three seasons he was on their books between the ages of 20 and 23.
How Much Milan Actually Stands to Gain
If Newcastle eventually agree to sell Tonali for a fee in the region of the figures being reported—let’s say €90m—the total solidarity contribution would be €4.5m. That amount would be split between Brescia and Milan according to the time each club developed the player. With approximately eight years at Brescia and three at Milan, the Rossoneri would be in line for roughly €1.23m (3/11ths).
While that figure pales in comparison to what a 10% or 15% sell-on clause would have yielded (an extra €9m–€13.5m), it is nevertheless a sum that effectively arrives out of the blue. For a club like Milan, every extra euro helps, especially as they look to reinforce their own squad ahead of a tilt at the Serie A title.
It is worth noting that the solidarity payment only becomes due if Tonali moves to another club in a different national association. A transfer to Tottenham or Manchester City would certainly qualify.
Key Takeaways
- Milan did not negotiate a sell-on clause when selling Tonali to Newcastle for €70m in 2023.
- However, FIFA rules guarantee a solidarity contribution of 5% of any future international transfer fee.
- Milan would receive a small share (around €1.2m based on a €90m fee) for the three years Tonali spent at the club in the relevant age band.
- Tottenham have already had an opening bid rejected, while Man City, Man United and Arsenal are also monitoring the situation.
- The final amount Milan earn depends on the eventual selling price and remains subject to a deal actually being completed.
Quick Facts
Sandro Tonali’s age at sale (2023): 23
Years at Milan (within FIFA solidarity window): 3 seasons (2020–2023)
Reported Tottenham bid: €86m–€92m, rejected
Estimated Milan solidarity payment (if sold for €90m): ~€1.23m
Other interested clubs: Man City, Man United, Arsenal
