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 should Spurs achieve serial Champions League qualifications, which would also see the midfielder's wages increase to around £275,000-a-week over a six-year contract.
De Zerbi's vision convinced Tonali
'I spoke to the head coach [De Zerbi] for close to two hours about the club, the fans, the stadium and our football. It was like magic because I knew immediately I had to sign for Tottenham. I can't wait to start the season,' said Tonali. The 26-year-old Italian international, comfortable as a No. 6 or No. 8, was impressed by De Zerbi's plan to rebuild the team around him.
Tonali's emotional farewell to Newcastle
In a separate Instagram post, Tonali expressed gratitude to Eddie Howe and Newcastle supporters. '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 and who always had my back throughout this journey. But above all I want to speak directly to the fans. When things were hard for me, you were there. Not for one day did I feel alone. I felt it every time I was at St James' Park. That's something I will carry with me for the rest of my life,' he wrote.
Tonali joined Newcastle from Milan for £55m in summer 2023 but received a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules. Upon his return in August 2024, he became a key player for Howe. Despite Newcastle finishing 12th in the Premier League and exiting the Champions League, Tonali's value nearly doubled. Manchester City also showed interest, but Tonali was swayed by De Zerbi's vision and the chance to relocate to London with his wife and son, who was born during his time in Newcastle.
Newcastle's record sale and future plans
Newcastle have secured the second-highest player sale in their history, behind only the £125m Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last summer. Howe now faces the challenge of persuading Bruno Guimarães to stay amid interest from Arsenal. To replace Tonali, Howe is targeting Freiburg's Johan Manzambi, a 20-year-old Switzerland midfielder valued at £51m. Manchester City may demand a similar fee for England goalkeeper James Trafford, another Newcastle target.
