Sandro Tonali has completed a club-record transfer to Tottenham from Newcastle for an initial £92.5m after the Italian midfielder was won over by what he described as a “magic” sales pitch from head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Tonali, 26, said he was powerless to resist after a two-hour conversation with his compatriot. “I spoke to the head coach for close to two hours about the club, the fans, the stadium and our football,” he said. “It was like magic because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham. I can’t wait to start the season.”
“Tottenham sign Sandro Tonali for club-record £100m after the Italian was won over by Roberto De Zerbi's 'magic' sales pitch.”
The deal could eventually reach £100m, with an initial fee of £92.5m plus £7.5m in add-ons. Should Spurs achieve serial Champions League qualifications, Tonali’s wages could rise to around £275,000-a-week over a six-year contract. The move makes him Tottenham’s record signing, eclipsing the £85m paid for Mateus Fernandes from West Ham five days earlier.
Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £55m in July 2023 but was soon hit with a 10-month ban by the Italian Football Federation for breaching betting rules. On his return, he became a key figure and helped the Magpies win the Carabao Cup in 2025 – their first trophy in 70 years. However, his form dipped this season as Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League after being eliminated from the Champions League.
Spurs, by contrast, narrowly avoided relegation, finishing 17th – two points above the drop zone – prompting De Zerbi, appointed at the end of March, to embark on a major rebuild. “I have followed him for a long time, as he came through the youth system at my hometown club, Brescia,” said De Zerbi. “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.”
In a social media post, Tonali paid tribute to Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and the club’s supporters. “A special mention to the gaffer, Eddie, who has been a real guiding figure and who always had my back throughout this journey,” he wrote. “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.”
Tonali, who can play as a No 6 or No 8, will join Fernandes in pre-season as Spurs look to build a side capable of challenging at the top end of the table after their relegation scare.