Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal worth up to £100 million with Newcastle United for midfielder Sandro Tonali, setting a new club transfer record for the second time this week.
The agreement includes an initial payment of £92.5 million, with a further £7.5 million in performance-related add-ons.
The transfer surpasses Tottenham’s reported £85 million agreement with West Ham United for midfielder Mateus Fernandes earlier this week.
De Zerbi’s long-term target
Tottenham manager, Roberto de Zerbi, has been a long-time admirer of the Italy international.
The Italian coach first identified Tonali as a transfer target during his time at Sassuolo, when the midfielder was playing in Serie A.
Manchester City and Arsenal were also interested in the 26-year-old, but neither club made a formal offer.
Tonali’s Newcastle career
Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July 2023 for £55 million.
Shortly after arriving in England, he received a 10-month suspension from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for breaching betting regulations.
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Following his return, Tonali helped Newcastle win the 2025 Carabao Cup, ending the club’s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.
He also played a key role in Newcastle’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League that season.
Tottenham continue spending spree
Tonali’s arrival continues Tottenham’s active summer transfer window under De Zerbi.
The club have already signed defenders Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers and are also pursuing centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.
Combined with the deals for Mateus Fernandes and Tonali, Tottenham’s spending could reach around £237 million.
De Zerbi had signalled his ambitions after securing Tottenham’s Premier League survival last season.
“My target is to start the pre-season with the team I have in my dream,” he said after the final match of the campaign.
Newcastle face rebuilding task
Tonali’s departure adds to a list of high-profile exits from Newcastle, with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon also leaving the club within the past year.
The Magpies have so far signed only 20-year-old goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, who is expected to begin the season as a backup despite having no top-flight experience.
Newcastle also missed out on forward Victor Munoz, who joined Liverpool, increasing the need for reinforcements before the new campaign begins.
