Sandro Tonali has become the most expensive Italian footballer in history after completing a move to Tottenham Hotspur worth approximately €115 million. The transfer, which includes bonuses and add-ons, establishes a new benchmark for Italy internationals and takes the midfielder’s cumulative career fees to just under €200 million.
The 23-year-old’s switch from Newcastle United to North London eclipses all previous single-transfer records involving Italian players. According to Sky Sport Italia, Tonali has now generated nearly €200 million in transfer fees across his career. He previously commanded a package worth a potential €70 million when he joined Newcastle from Milan in the summer of 2023, having earlier moved from Brescia to the Rossoneri for a double-figure sum.
Tonali sits atop a select group of three Italy internationals whose combined transfer fees exceed €100 million. Mateo Retegui ranks second after his €65 million-plus move from Atalanta to Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah last summer briefly established him as the country’s costliest player. Leonardo Bonucci occupies third place through multiple high-profile transfers, his costliest being the €42 million switch from Juventus to Milan in 2017, before returning to Turin for €35 million the following season.
The fees reflect the growing financial power of leagues outside Italy and the premium value placed on elite Azzurri talent. Tonali’s rapid trajectory from Brescia to commanding nearly €200 million in total transfer fees marks a significant shift in market dynamics for Italian players. At 23, he has already completed three major moves, suggesting further records could follow if his performances for club and country maintain their current trajectory.