Sandro Tonali has completed a record-breaking transfer to Tottenham from Newcastle for an initial £92.5m, the Italian claiming he was powerless to resist Roberto De Zerbi’s “magic” sales pitch.
“I spoke to the head coach [De Zerbi] for close to two hours about the club, the fans, the stadium and our football. It was like magic because I knew immediately I had to sign for Tottenham. I can’t wait to start the season,” said Tonali, whose fee could potentially rise to £100m should Spurs achieve serial Champions League qualifications, something that would also see the midfielder’s wages rise to around £275,000-a-week over a six-year contract.
“Tottenham sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for up to £100m after a 'magic' sales pitch from Roberto De Zerbi.”
Tonali joins fellow big-money signing Mateus Fernandes, who moved from West Ham to Spurs for a fee of £85m. The 26-year-old Italy international spent three seasons at Newcastle after joining from AC Milan for £55m in July 2023. He was banned for 10 months by the Italian Football Federation for breaching betting rules shortly after his arrival, but became a key player on his return and helped Newcastle win the Carabao Cup in 2025 – their first trophy in 70 years.
In a social media post, Tonali said it was “time to say goodbye” to the Magpies and manager Eddie Howe, although “it’s hard to find the right words” as he also thanked the club’s fans for their support. “A special mention to the gaffer, Eddie, who’s been a real guiding figure and who always had my back throughout this journey. This city gave me more than football. It gave me a home, moments I’ll hold onto forever, and people I will always be grateful for,” he wrote.
Spurs boss De Zerbi, who took over at Tottenham at the end of March and narrowly saved the club from Premier League relegation after they finished 17th – two points above the relegation zone – described Tonali as a “special player”. “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,” De Zerbi added. “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.”
Both Tonali and Fernandes are set to start pre-season training at Spurs, as the club begins a rebuild after a disastrous campaign that saw them flirt with relegation. De Zerbi is understood to have told Tonali he intends to rebuild his side around the midfielder, who was also courted by Manchester City but chose De Zerbi’s vision and a move to London with his wife and young son.