Tottenham have completed the signing of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a deal that could reach £100m, making him a club-record signing.
The 26-year-old Italian international joins Spurs after three seasons with the Magpies, representing a significant statement of intent from the north London club.
Spurs had an initial bid of around £80m rejected by Newcastle before eventually agreeing a package worth £92.5m upfront, with a further £7.5m available in add-ons.
Tonali was quick to express his excitement at joining, dismissing suggestions that multiple clubs were competing for his signature.
“I’m very happy to be here,” said Tonali. “People said about there being four or five clubs – there was only one.”
The midfielder revealed that a lengthy conversation with head coach Roberto de Zerbi played a decisive role in his decision to move to Tottenham.
“I spoke to the head coach [Roberto 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 that I had to sign for Tottenham.”
Tonali joins fellow high-profile summer arrival Mateus Fernandes, who made the move from West Ham to Spurs for £85m, continuing an impressive spending spree at the club.
Tonali originally joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £55m in July 2023, before serving a ten-month ban from the Italian Football Federation for breaching betting rules shortly after his arrival on Tyneside.
He recovered strongly from that setback and became a key figure in the Newcastle side, helping the club win the Carabao Cup in 2025, their first major trophy in 70 years.
In an emotional social media post, Tonali said it was “time to say goodbye” to the Magpies and paid tribute to manager Eddie Howe, admitting “it’s hard to find the right words.”
“A special mention to the gaffer, Eddie, who’s been a real guiding figure and who always had my back throughout this journey,” he wrote in his farewell message to supporters.
De Zerbi, who took over at Tottenham at the end of March and narrowly saved the club from Premier League relegation, was full of praise for his new signing.
“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,” said the Spurs boss.
De Zerbi also acknowledged the competition for Tonali’s services but stressed that the player’s desire to join Tottenham was never in doubt.
“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.”
Spurs sporting director Johan Lange echoed those sentiments, highlighting Tonali’s mental as well as technical qualities as key reasons for the transfer.
“He has outstanding technical quality to go with real football intelligence, and has the character to thrive in a demanding, high-pressure environment,” said Lange.
Tottenham finished 17th in the Premier League last season, just two points above the relegation zone, making this summer’s rebuilding effort all the more significant for the club.
Including the arrivals of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, plus potential spending on Jan Paul van Hecke alongside Fernandes and Tonali, Spurs could invest a combined £237m this summer as they look to mount a serious Premier League challenge.
