Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a transfer that could reach £100million. The agreement includes an upfront fee of £92.5m, with a further £7.5m in potential add-ons tied to multiple Champions League qualifications. This eclipses the club's previous transfer record of £85m for Mateus Fernandes.
Transfer details and background
Newcastle had previously rejected two offers from Tottenham for the Italian international. However, Spurs intensified their pursuit late last month by initiating direct contact between the clubs. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, as Tonali is open to joining the north London side.
Tonali emerged as a prime target for Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi as he looks to overhaul his squad following the club's successful battle against Premier League relegation. Arsenal were also reportedly interested in the midfielder, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £55m three years ago.
Spurs' busy summer
The Tonali deal surpasses the previous club-record package of £85m that brought Fernandes from West Ham, who is due to undergo a medical at Spurs' Hotspur Way training facility. Spurs have also secured Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson, and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, while spending £52m on Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.
When asked about a potential move last month, former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer told Betfair: "Tottenham just avoided relegation. I get the attraction of London but going to Spurs who have finished so low over the last two years would be a surprise career move for Tonali in my eyes." He added: "I know Spurs have a new manager and that may be a pull for him, London obviously. But in terms of the football club, look where they have finished the last two years."
Agent and CEO comments
Tonali's representative, Giuseppe Riso, said in March: "Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he's the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world." He also noted that Newcastle's unlimited financial resources had enabled the initial investment.
Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson stated three months ago: "We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer. But if an Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms and we're going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club."
