Tottenham have announced the club-record signing of Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali in a deal worth up to £100 million. Standard Sport understands that Spurs will pay an initial £92.5 million with a further £7.5 million in performance-related add-ons. Tonali has signed a six-year contract, committing his future to Roberto De Zerbi's side until 2030.
Record-Breaking Spending Spree
This transfer shatters Tottenham's previous record for the second time in a week, following the £85 million acquisition of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham. Tonali becomes Spurs' sixth signing of the summer transfer window, joining Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Martin Dubravka, Marcos Senesi, and Andy Robertson. The club's total summer spending has now surpassed £230 million.
Tonali's Reaction
Speaking to the club website, Tonali expressed his delight at the move: "I'm very happy to be here. When I arrived at the club today, it felt fantastic. People said about there being four or five clubs - there was only one." He added, "I spoke to the head coach for close to two hours about the club, the fans, the stadium and our football. It was like magic because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham."
De Zerbi's Influence
With the hunt for a new sporting director on hold until the end of the summer, much of the responsibility for recruitment has fallen on De Zerbi, alongside current sporting director Johan Lange and head of football operations Carlos Raphael Moersen. De Zerbi commented on the signing: "Sandro is a special player and a great signing for our club. I have followed him for a long time, as he came through the youth system at my hometown club, Brescia, and I'm so happy to be working with him now."
Further Transfer Plans
Spurs are expected to continue strengthening the squad, with a striker and left-side attacker high on the priority list. Manchester City's Savinho remains a target after last summer's failed pursuit, while Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi and AC Milan's Rafael Leao have also been linked. Standard Sport understands that interest in James Trafford will not be pursued following Antonin Kinsky's new contract.
