Sandro Tonali told Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe in private that he wanted to leave the club, seeking a new challenge after three years on Tyneside. This revelation came ahead of his £100 million move to Tottenham Hotspur, which was confirmed earlier this week.
Tonali's Unsettled Period and Dip in Form
It is understood that Tonali had been unsettled in the North East, with his dip in form noted by backroom staff who attempted to understand the reasons behind his below-par displays during the 2025/26 season. Despite enjoying a strong bond with Howe, who helped him through a 10-month FIFA ban for illegal betting in 2023, Tonali expressed his desire to quit directly to the head coach.
Newcastle were informed of Tonali's wish to seek a new club via his agent, Giuseppe Riso, earlier this month. Several clubs were approached, including Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle's Preference and Spurs' Determination
According to sources, Newcastle's preference was not to sell to Tottenham, but Spurs were the first to meet the £100 million asking price. They pushed the deal through as Manchester City also entered the race. Spurs became irked by Newcastle's insistence on the £100 million fee but were told the deal would be done for no less.
Newcastle felt, based on Tonali's body language late in the season, that he was 'ready' for a move after internal concerns about his form compared to the previous campaign. The club views the sale as a big positive, equating the fee to those of Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice, who also moved for £100 million to Manchester City and Arsenal respectively.
Reinvestment and Future Transfers
The transfer fee is set to be reinvested into the first team, with Newcastle targeting players in their early 20s. The club will begin with the addition of Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim for around £40 million, with arrangements for a medical and flight to Tyneside in place. According to sources on Tyneside, the Toure deal could not have unfolded without the sale of Tonali.
Other targets include Johan Manzambi of Freiburg and Archie Gray from Spurs, with sporting director Ross Wilson and CEO David Hopkinson actively involved in negotiations. Chronicle Live understands that every penny from the Tonali deal will be spent in the next few weeks.
Background and Context
Tonali's value plummeted close to zero after his 10-month ban for illegal betting, but Newcastle believe Howe and his backroom staff did an excellent job to secure such a high-profile exit. The midfielder joined Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023 for a reported £55 million, making the £100 million sale a significant profit.
The departure marks the end of Tonali's three-year stint at St James' Park, where he made 89 appearances and scored 12 goals. His move to Tottenham is seen as a fresh start for the Italian international.
