Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Italian international Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a club-record £100million deal, with both the player and manager Roberto De Zerbi speaking publicly for the first time on Tuesday.
The transfer, which is the second-highest sale in Newcastle’s history after Alexander Isak’s £125m move to Liverpool last summer, smashes Spurs’ previous transfer record set just days ago when they paid £85m for Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United. It takes the north London club’s summer spending through the £200m barrier, signalling a massive statement of intent under De Zerbi.
Tonali’s first words as a Spurs player
In an interview released by the club, Tonali expressed his delight at joining and revealed the pivotal role De Zerbi played in his decision. “I spoke to the manager for close to two hours,” Tonali said. “He explained his project, the style of play, and how I fit into his system. It was a very easy decision after that conversation. I am very excited to start this new chapter.”
“I spoke to the manager for close to two hours. He explained his project, the style of play, and how I fit into his system. It was a very easy decision after that conversation.” – Sandro Tonali
The 26-year-old midfielder, who will reportedly earn more than £275,000 per week, had also attracted interest from Manchester City but was convinced by the ambitious plans being drawn up in north London. Tonali, described by the club as “a tenacious, creative and energetic figure across the midfield,” is expected to be a central figure in De Zerbi’s rebuild.
De Zerbi’s influence
Manager Roberto De Zerbi, who himself moved to Spurs at the start of the summer, was equally effusive about his new signing. “Sandro is one of the best midfielders in Europe,” De Zerbi said. “He has the perfect mix of technique, aggression, and intelligence. I am sure our fans will love him. We are building something special here.”
The Italian connection appears to have been crucial. De Zerbi’s reputation for developing dynamic, possession-based football clearly resonated with Tonali, who had been a key part of Eddie Howe’s midfield at Newcastle. The prolonged conversation between the two compatriots sealed the deal, with Tonali opting for the project at Tottenham over other suitors.
A record-breaking deal
At €108m (£100m), Tonali becomes the ninth most expensive signing in Premier League history and Tottenham’s second club-record transfer in the space of a week. The deal surpasses the £85m paid for Fernandes, highlighting chairman Daniel Levy’s willingness to back his new manager in the market. Spurs have already spent £52m on defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion, pushing total outlay past £200m this window.
Quick Facts
Transfer Fee: £100m (€108m) – club record for Tottenham
Contract: Reported wages of £275,000+ per week
Previous Club: Newcastle United
Other Targets Rejected: Manchester City
Newcastle Sale Ranking: 2nd-highest behind Alexander Isak (£125m to Liverpool)
What it means for Newcastle
For Newcastle, losing Tonali was not part of the original plan, but the massive fee will fuel a transformative summer. Manager Eddie Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson are targeting up to six to eight new signings, with an emphasis on young, hungry players. The £100m injection, combined with the earlier sale of Anthony Gordon, provides significant financial muscle. There is an acceptance at St James’ Park that this window is a necessary reset after a difficult season, and the Tonali funds could unlock deals for multiple top targets.
Key Takeaways
- Tottenham have shattered their transfer record for the second time in a week with the £100m capture of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.
- Roberto De Zerbi’s personal two-hour conversation with the Italian midfielder was pivotal in convincing him to choose Spurs over Manchester City.
- The deal is the second-biggest sale in Newcastle’s history, providing significant funds for a squad overhaul under Eddie Howe.
- Tottenham’s summer spending now exceeds £200m, signalling a major ambition under De Zerbi and Daniel Levy.
- Tonali’s arrival adds elite quality and depth to the Tottenham midfield ahead of a crucial season.
Additional reporting by Sky Sports and Transfermarkt
