Record-breaking deal finalised
Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United for an initial £92.5 million, establishing a new club record. The fee could eventually rise to £100 million should the north London club secure repeated Champions League qualifications. The Italy international has signed a six-year contract with wages that could reach £275,000 per week if those European targets are met.
The 26-year-old arrives from St James’ Park less than two years after joining Newcastle from AC Milan for £55 million. His time in the north-east was immediately disrupted by a 10-month suspension for breaching betting regulations, which sidelined him shortly after his July 2023 arrival. He returned to action in August 2024 and established himself as a central figure in Eddie Howe’s midfield despite the Magpies’ eventual 12th-place Premier League finish.
De Zerbi’s vision seals transfer
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi played a decisive role in convincing Tonali to reject rival interest from Manchester City. The midfielder revealed he spoke with the Italian coach for nearly two hours about the club’s project, supporters and stadium. “It was like magic because I knew immediately I had to sign for Tottenham,” Tonali said. “I can’t wait to start the season.” De Zerbi has informed the player that he intends to build his side around the midfielder.
The player and his wife were also keen to relocate to London, where their son was born during Tonali’s time in England.
Emotional Newcastle exit
Despite the circumstances of his departure, Tonali expressed gratitude to Howe and the Newcastle supporters. He described the manager as “a real guiding figure” who “always had my back throughout this journey.” Addressing fans directly, he added: “When things were hard for me, you were there. Not for one day did I feel alone.”
The transfer fee ranks as the second-highest sale in Newcastle’s history, exceeded only by the £125 million Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last summer.
Howe faces retention battle
Newcastle now face a challenging summer as they seek to reinvest the funds. Howe is attempting to resist Arsenal’s growing interest in captain Bruno Guimarães while identifying replacements for Tonali. The club are pursuing Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi from Freiburg, who are demanding £51 million, and have also registered interest in England goalkeeper James Trafford at Manchester City.