By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a club-record £100 million deal to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to several British media reports on Wednesday. The transfer follows Spurs’ agreement to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85 million. Roberto De Zerbi pushed for both signings as he rebuilds his squad ahead of the new Premier League season. The deals underline Tottenham’s renewed ambition after a difficult campaign.
De Zerbi Wins Race for Italian Midfielder
Reports say Tottenham will pay an initial £92.5 million, with an additional £7.5 million in performance-related bonuses.
De Zerbi successfully beat competition from Premier League champions Arsenal and Manchester City to secure the services of his fellow Italian.
Tonali is expected to become the centerpiece of Tottenham’s new-look midfield alongside Fernandes.
Tonali’s Career Recovered After Betting Ban
Tonali’s career suffered a major setback in October 2023 when the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) imposed a 10-month worldwide suspension.
The ban followed an investigation that found he had breached betting regulations by placing wagers on football matches organised by the FIGC, UEFA and FIFA during his time in Italy.
Despite the disciplinary action, Newcastle had already completed his £55 million transfer from AC Milan in July 2023.
The midfielder featured in only 12 matches before serving the suspension.
Later, in May 2024, the English Football Association handed Tonali a suspended two-month ban after he admitted to additional breaches of its betting rules.
Since returning, he has rebuilt his reputation with consistent performances for Newcastle.
Tottenham Continue Major Squad Rebuild
The signings of Tonali and Fernandes represent a significant change in Tottenham’s transfer strategy.
Previously, the club maintained a strict wage structure under former chairman Daniel Levy.
However, Tottenham’s majority owners, the Lewis family, pledged to finance a major rebuild after asking Levy to step down in September.
They have already backed De Zerbi heavily following his successful effort to keep the club in the Premier League on the final day of last season.
Spurs Strengthen Across the Pitch
Tottenham have also reinforced other areas of the squad.
Experienced trio Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Martin Dubravka joined on free transfers.
In addition, Spurs reportedly spent £52 million to sign Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.
The arrivals highlight Tottenham’s determination to challenge higher up the Premier League table this season.
A New Era at Tottenham
Tottenham’s aggressive spending marks the beginning of a new era under Roberto De Zerbi. If completed, the signings of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes will form the foundation of the club’s long-term rebuilding project as Spurs seek to return to domestic and European contention.
