Transfers
Tonali’s €115m move to Spurs: how De Zerbi’s call sealed the deal
Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, with the transfer reported as worth €115 million including add-ons. Newcastle confirmed that the fee received is the second-largest in the club’s history, though the exact figure remains undisclosed. Tonali, who arrived at Tottenham’s training ground on Monday, described his first day as “fantastic” and stressed there was “only one” club that mattered to him during negotiations.
Tonali revealed he spoke to Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi for “close to two hours” before finalising his move, discussing the club, its fans, the stadium and playing style. “I’m very happy to be here. When I arrived at the Club today, it felt fantastic,” Tonali said in his first interview as a Spurs player. “People said about there being four or five clubs – there was only one.”
The bond between Tonali and De Zerbi extends beyond professional ties. Both hail from towns in the Lombardy region—Lodi for Tonali and Brescia for De Zerbi—just 80 km apart. They also share a history with Brescia: Tonali played for the club’s first team, while De Zerbi is a product of the Milan Academy who never made his senior debut for the Rossoneri. “Sandro is a special player and a great signing for our Club,” De Zerbi said.
De Zerbi added that he had followed Tonali’s progress since his youth days at Brescia and praised the midfielder’s qualities amid heavy summer interest. “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,” he said.
Tottenham’s recruitment comes as Tonali becomes the most expensive Italian footballer ever, surpassing previous records. Newcastle’s statement did not disclose the fee but confirmed it was the second-largest received by the club, underscoring the scale of the exit. Tonali’s arrival follows a summer of speculation linking him to multiple Premier League clubs.
Tonali, who won the Scudetto with AC Milan in 2021-22, also referenced his past encounters with Tottenham, recalling the “great atmosphere made by great fans.” He expressed excitement about starting the new season under De Zerbi’s management, having played against Spurs previously.
The deal marks a significant financial return for Newcastle, whose only larger sale remains undisclosed but described as the club’s second-biggest ever. The Magpies’ statement framed the transaction as a landmark exit, highlighting the club’s growing profile in the transfer market.
Tonali is expected to feature prominently in Tottenham’s midfield as they prepare for the new Premier League campaign. His integration will be closely watched, given the size of the investment and the expectations placed on his shoulders.