Sandro Tonali has completed a record-breaking £92.5m transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, the Italian claiming he was powerless to resist Roberto De Zerbi’s “magic” sales pitch. The fee could rise to £100m with add-ons linked to Champions League qualification, and his wages could reach £275,000-a-week over a six-year contract.
“I spoke to the head coach for close to two hours about the club, the fans, the stadium and our football,” Tonali said. “It was like magic because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham. I can’t wait to start the season.”
“Tonali joins Tottenham for £92.5m after De Zerbi's 'magic' pitch, with fee potentially rising to £100m.”
The 26-year-old joins a Spurs side that finished 17th last season, two points above the relegation zone. De Zerbi, who took over in late March and narrowly saved the club from relegation, has long admired Tonali — tracking him since his Serie A days. “I have followed him for a long time,” De Zerbi said. “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.”
Tonali’s arrival follows a busy window for Spurs, who also signed Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85m a week ago, while defenders Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi joined on free transfers. The club could end up spending a combined £237m on centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke and midfielders Fernandes and Tonali.
Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £55m in July 2023, but was banned for 10 months by the Italian Football Federation for breaching betting rules shortly after his arrival. On his return, he helped Newcastle win the Carabao Cup in 2025 — their first trophy in 70 years — and later played an influential role in Champions League qualification. However, his form dipped this season as Newcastle finished 12th.
In an Instagram post, Tonali thanked Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and the club’s fans. “A special mention to the gaffer, Eddie, who’s 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.”
Manchester City and Arsenal also showed an interest in Tonali, but neither made a formal approach. Newcastle, who have lost Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in recent windows, are now pursuing Hoffenheim’s 20-year-old Ivory Coast winger Bazoumana Toure as a replacement for Gordon, who joined Barcelona for £69.3m. So far, Newcastle have signed only 20-year-old goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen this summer.