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. The fee could rise to £100m with add-ons, surpassing the £85m Spurs paid for Mateus Fernandes earlier this week. Tonali, 26, signed a six-year contract with wages potentially reaching £275,000-a-week if Spurs achieve serial Champions League qualifications.
“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.” De Zerbi, who took over at Spurs at the end of March and narrowly saved the club from Premier League relegation, 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,” 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.”
“Tonali joins Spurs for £92.5m after De Zerbi's 'magic' pitch, fee could rise to £100m.”
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 also played a key role in Champions League qualification. Despite Newcastle finishing 12th last season, De Zerbi told Tonali he intends to rebuild his side around him.
In a social media post, Tonali paid tribute to Newcastle: “Three years ago I came to Newcastle not really knowing what to expect. Today it’s time to say goodbye and it’s hard to find the right words. … A special mention to the gaffer, Eddie, who has been a real guiding figure. … 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 showed interest but made no formal approach. Spurs finished 17th last season, two points above the relegation zone, but have now spent aggressively, also bringing in defenders Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke on free transfers, with a total outlay potentially reaching £237m. Newcastle, meanwhile, are seeking a replacement for Anthony Gordon, who joined Barcelona for £69.3m, and have made progress in signing Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure.
De Zerbi, who kept Spurs up on the final day with a 1-0 win over Everton, had said in his last news conference: “My target is to start the pre-season with the team I have in my dream.” That dream is rapidly becoming reality.