Tottenham Hotspur have officially completed the signing of Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a deal reported to be worth €115 million including add-ons, confirming the 26-year-old as the most expensive Italian footballer in history.
Newcastle United confirmed the transfer on their official website, noting that while the exact fee remains undisclosed, it stands as the second-largest amount ever received for a player in the club’s history. The deal surpasses the previous record for an Italian player set by Mateo Retegui’s €68 million move to Al Qadsiah last year.
Tottenham announced that Tonali has signed a six-year contract running until 2032. The club also confirmed the midfielder will wear the No.16 shirt for the 2026-27 season, with his preferred No.8 already occupied by Conor Gallagher.
De Zerbi talks sealed deal
Tonali revealed that an extensive conversation with head coach Roberto De Zerbi proved decisive in his decision to join Spurs. The pair share strong ties to Italy’s Lombardy region, having both represented Brescia during their careers.
“I spoke to the Head Coach for close to two hours about the Club, the fans, the stadium and our football,” Tonali told Tottenham’s official website. “It was like magic because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham.”
De Zerbi, who hails from Brescia while Tonali was born 80 kilometres away in Lodi, welcomed his compatriot’s arrival. “Sandro is a special player and a great signing for our Club,” the manager said. “I have followed him for a long time, as he came through the youth system at my hometown club, Brescia, and I’m so happy to be working with him now.”
St James’ Park legacy
Tonali departs Newcastle after three seasons in which he made 110 appearances, scoring ten goals and providing ten assists across all competitions. He played an influential role as the club won the 2025 Carabao Cup, ending a 70-year wait for domestic silverware.
The midfielder previously won the Serie A title with AC Milan in 2021-22 during a spell that yielded 130 appearances. At international level, he has earned 32 senior caps for Italy, scoring four goals since his debut in 2019.