Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a club-record £100 million deal. The agreement between the two Premier League rivals was finalised last Wednesday, with the move officially announced on Monday morning.
Transfer fee and contract details
Spurs are understood to be paying an initial £92.5 million, with an additional £7.5 million in add-ons that could take the total fee to £100 million. This surpasses the previous club record of £85 million paid for Mateus Fernandes, announced just last Thursday, and Jan Paul van Hecke's £52 million arrival from Brighton earlier in the summer.
Tonali's first words as a Tottenham player
After signing, Tonali told the official club 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."
De Zerbi's praise for new signing
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi praised his new recruit, stating: "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."
Spending spree and free agent arrivals
The record-breaking acquisition follows the £85m signing of Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke’s £52m arrival from Brighton, bringing Tottenham’s total expenditure to £237m this summer. Free agents Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson, and Marcos Senesi have also joined the club.
Tonali's emotional farewell to Newcastle
In an emotional Instagram post, Tonali bid farewell to Newcastle fans: "Three years ago I came to Newcastle not really knowing what to expect. Today it’s time to say goodbye and it’s hard to find the right words. Above all, I want to speak directly to the fans. When things were hard for me, you were there. Not for one day did I feel alone. I felt it every time I was at St James’ Park. That’s something I will carry with me for the rest of my life."
