Tottenham have completed the signing of Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a club-record transfer that could rise to £100m.
The 26-year-old has signed for Spurs after three seasons at St James’ Park, becoming another major arrival in a huge summer rebuild under manager Roberto de Zerbi.
Tottenham initially saw an offer worth about £80m rejected, but later reached an agreement with Newcastle on a package including an initial £92.5m fee and a possible £7.5m in performance-related add-ons.
Tonali said Tottenham were always his preferred destination despite reports linking him with several clubs.
“I’m very happy to be here,” he said. “People said about there being four or five clubs – there was only one.”
The midfielder revealed a long conversation with De Zerbi convinced him that Spurs was the right move, with the pair discussing the club’s ambitions, supporters, stadium and playing style.
Tonali originally joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £55m in 2023. His start in England was disrupted when he received a 10-month suspension from the Italian Football Federation for breaching betting regulations.
However, he rebuilt his career after returning to action and became one of Newcastle’s most important players. He played a key role in helping the club win the 2025 Carabao Cup, ending a 70-year wait for a major trophy.
Following confirmation of his departure, Tonali posted an emotional farewell message to Newcastle fans, thanking the club, his team-mates and manager Eddie Howe for their support during his time in the north east.
He described Howe as a major influence and said Newcastle had given him “more than football,” calling the city a home and a place full of memories he would always value.
De Zerbi praised the signing, describing Tonali as a “special player” and highlighting their shared connection with Brescia, where the midfielder developed during his early career.
The Spurs boss said Tonali had attracted major interest from other clubs but made it clear that joining Tottenham was his priority.
The move continues a busy transfer window for Spurs, who have responded aggressively after finishing 17th in the Premier League last season and narrowly avoiding relegation.
Tonali follows another major midfield signing, Mateus Fernandes, who arrived from West Ham in an £85m deal. Tottenham have also strengthened their defence with free transfers for Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, while their summer spending could reach £237m when including deals for Jan Paul van Hecke, Fernandes and Tonali.
Sporting director Johan Lange said Tonali combines technical ability, intelligence and the mentality needed to perform under pressure.
Despite the heavy investment, Tottenham’s financial position has allowed them to spend significantly under the new squad-cost ratio (SCR) regulations, which permit clubs to commit up to 85% of their revenue to player-related costs such as wages, transfer amortisation and agent fees.
Spurs’ 2024-25 accounts showed wages and amortisation at 61% of revenue, leaving room for further investment. Their new stadium has also transformed the club’s finances, increasing annual matchday revenue from £45m at White Hart Lane to £126m and commercial income from £73m to £277m.
With total revenue reaching £565m in 2024-25, Tottenham are allowed to spend up to around £480m per year on squad costs. Transfer fees are also spread across contract lengths for accounting purposes, meaning a £240m summer outlay would count as roughly £48m per year in amortisation.