Tottenham have confirmed the capture of Italy international Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for a fee that could rise to £100million.
Tonali is the latest acquisition by the North London club, who have finished 17th in each of the past two Premier League seasons.
He joins Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka at Spurs, who have now spent around £230m over the close season.
The 26-year-old told the club’s official website: “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.
“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. I’ve played against Tottenham a few times and always found a great atmosphere made by great fans. I can’t wait to start the season.”
Mixed spell at Newcastle for Spurs new boy Tonali
Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan for a fee of around £55m in 2023 before missing much of his first season due to a 10-month ban for a breach of betting regulations.
In 79 Premier League appearances for the Tyneside club, he scored five goals and added four assists.
Spurs boss De Zerbi said: “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. 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.”
Tonali is an ambitious signing for Tottenham
The signing of Tonali, for whom Spurs are reported to have paid an initial £92.5m with another £7.5m in add-ons, is a sign of ambition for the club with the midfielder also reported to have been on the radar of Arsenal and Manchester City.
Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange said: “Sandro is one of the best midfielders in Europe and we are delighted to welcome him to the club.
“He has outstanding technical quality to go with real football intelligence, and has the character to thrive in a demanding, high-pressure environment. Sandro brings valuable experience at the highest level, both domestically and in European competition and I know our supporters will love his energy and commitment on the pitch.
“We are all excited to see him pull on our famous Lilywhite shirt for the first time.”
