Sandro Tonali has completed a £100million move to Tottenham, signing a six-year contract after crediting a lengthy conversation with Roberto De Zerbi for convincing him to snub interest from Manchester City and reunite with his former Brescia connection at the club.
Sandro Tonali has signed a six-year deal at Tottenham after a near £100million move from Newcastle, becoming the club’s sixth signing of the summer as they look to rebuild following back-to-back 17th-place Premier League finishes. The Italy international said a lengthy conversation with manager Roberto De Zerbi played a decisive role in his decision to join, despite reported interest from both Arsenal and Manchester City. Newcastle will receive a guaranteed fee of £92.5million, with a further £7.5million payable through performance-related add-ons, making Tonali the second-most expensive player the club has ever sold, behind only Alexander Isak.
‘It Was Like Magic’
Speaking to Tottenham’s official website after being handed the number 16 shirt, Tonali described the moment he knew Spurs was the right destination. “I’m very happy to be here,” he said. “When I arrived at the club today, it felt fantastic. People said about there being four or five clubs – there was only one. I spoke to the head coach for close to two hours about the club, the fans, the stadium and our football. It was like magic because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham.” He added that he had enjoyed playing against Spurs in the past, saying: “I’ve played against Tottenham a few times and always found a great atmosphere made by great fans. I can’t wait to start the season.”
De Zerbi, who managed Tonali’s boyhood club, Brescia, said he had tracked the midfielder’s progress for years. “Sandro is a special player and a great signing for our club,” De Zerbi 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. Given his qualities, there was a lot of interest in Sandro this summer. However, he was very clear in his desire to join Tottenham, and I know our fans will love what he brings to the team.”
A Grateful Farewell to Newcastle
Despite his excitement over the move, Tonali struck an emotional tone when reflecting on his time at Newcastle, thanking supporters, manager Eddie Howe and the club’s staff for their support during what he described as the most difficult period of his career. He singled out Howe in particular for the role he played during Tonali’s 10-month suspension for betting offences, crediting the Newcastle manager as an important figure in helping him return to football.
With Tonali’s departure now confirmed, Newcastle have moved quickly to identify a replacement in midfield, with reports linking the club to Johan Manzambi among their summer targets.
Part of a Major Rebuild
Tonali’s arrival comes just four days after Tottenham broke their transfer record for the second time this summer, having signed Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85million as the club overhauls its midfield. He follows Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka through the doors at Tottenham this summer, with further signings expected before the transfer window closes. Under his new deal, which runs until 2032, Tonali is set to earn up to £275,000 a week, placing him among the club’s highest earners.
Tottenham’s sporting director, Johan Lange, said the club were delighted to have completed the signing. “Sandro is one of the best midfielders in Europe and we are delighted to welcome him to the club,” Lange said. “He has outstanding technical quality to go with real football intelligence, and has the character to thrive in a demanding, high-pressure environment. Sandro brings valuable experience at the highest level, both domestically and in European competition and I know our supporters will love his energy and commitment on the pitch. We are all excited to see him pull on our famous Lilywhite shirt for the first time.”
