Tottenham makes surprise transfer move

Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of completing a club-record move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali after agreeing a deal worth up to £100 million. 

The agreement includes an initial payment of £92.5 million, with a further £7.5 million in performance-related add-ons, surpassing the £85 million deal Spurs recently struck for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

The North London club had seen an earlier offer of around £80 million rejected by Newcastle, but returned with an improved bid that convinced the Magpies to sanction the transfer. 

Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi is understood to have been a long-time admirer of the Italy international, having first identified Tonali as a target during his time in Serie A.

Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023 for £55 million and endured a difficult start to life in England after receiving a 10-month suspension for breaching Italian betting regulations. 

However, he returned strongly and played a key role in helping Newcastle win the 2025 Carabao Cup, ending the club’s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy, while also contributing to their qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

The 26-year-old had also attracted interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City, but neither club made a formal offer.

Spurs moved decisively to secure his signature as De Zerbi continues an ambitious rebuilding project aimed at transforming the club after two disappointing Premier League campaigns.

Tottenham have already strengthened their squad with the arrivals of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, while the additions of Mateus Fernandes and Tonali could take the club’s spending to well over £200 million this summer. 

The aggressive recruitment drive reflects De Zerbi’s determination to build a squad capable of competing much higher up the table next season.

For Newcastle, Tonali’s departure represents another significant exit following the sales of Anthony Gordon and other key players in recent transfer windows. 

Eddie Howe’s side are now expected to accelerate plans to reinforce the squad, with positive progress reportedly being made in their pursuit of Hoffenheim’s Ivory Coast winger Bazoumana Toure as the Magpies prepare for the new campaign.