Sandro Tonali explains Tottenham Hotspur transfer from Newcastle United as Premier League club makes biggest summer signing yet - ‘It was like magic’
By TNT UK
Updated 06/07/2026 at 12:54 GMT+1
React to this story
Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali in a club-record deal worth up to £100 million. The Italy international is the second high-profile player to leave St James' Park this summer, with Anthony Gordon having joined Barcelona in May.
‘Best night of my England career so far’ - Bellingham revels in win over Mexico
Video credit: SNTV
Tonali, 26, has been a key figure for Eddie Howe's side since joining from AC Milan in the summer of 2023, making 110 appearances for The Magpies and scoring 10 goals.
Tottenham have already made two other big-money moves, for Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke, this summer.
They have also brought former Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson, as well as Argentina international Marcos Senesi, to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on free transfers.
The north London club’s exciting start to the summer transfer window comes after two disastrous Premier League campaigns, in which they slumped to back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the table.
Tonali had been linked with a move to some of Europe’s top sides this summer, but he has insisted that Spurs were the only club for him.
"I'm very happy to be here," he said. "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."
Tonali was a key player for Newcastle last term, producing two assists in 35 Premier League appearances.
However, The Magpies , who sold England international Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3m, struggled to replicate their form from recent years, and finished 12th, missing out on a place in Europe.
Tonali was part of the Newcastle side that ended the club’s 70-year wait for a domestic trophy when they lifted the Carabao Cup in 2025.
He has scored four goals in 32 senior caps for Italy, but he could not inspire them to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/07/06/image-ff63b290-fb64-489f-ab15-9d05c1e80051-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
‘So proud’ - Tuchel speaks of mixed emotions after England win over Mexico
Video credit: SNTV
Roberto De Zerbi guided Tottenham to Premier League survival last season after replacing Igor Tudor as head coach.
He revealed that he had been an admirer of Tonali for some time, describing him as a great signing for the club.
"Sandro is a special player, and a great signing for our club," he added.
"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."
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.
Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement