Full Breakdown
Tottenham Hotspur's Pursuit of Newcastle Midfielder Sandro Tonali
6/18/2026, 1:26:48 PM
Tottenham's Targeting of Sandro Tonali
Tottenham Hotspur have entered the race to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. Manager Roberto de Zerbi, who first identified the Italian as a target at Sassuolo, has overseen talks with the player’s camp and signalled willingness to break the club’s transfer-record fee.
Context and Contractual Situation
Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July 2023 for about €70 million (£55 million) and signed a new deal in January 2024 that runs to 2029, with an optional extra year. Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3 million, showing a readiness to cash in high-value assets.
Financial Stakes
Newcastle’s asking price is reported between £85 million plus add-ons and a total around £100 million, a sum that would eclipse Tottenham’s previous record of £65 million for Dominic Solanke. The fee would also test the club’s Financial Fair Play limits and its ability to fund other summer targets.
Official Positions
Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson has reiterated that any sale will be on “our terms”. Tottenham’s board issued a statement pledging full backing for de Zerbi’s rebuild and promising “bold football”. Manchester City’s sporting director Hugo Viana is reported to be giving “genuine consideration” to Tonali as part of a midfield overhaul.
Criticism and Concerns
Former defender Steve Howey warned that losing Tonali would be a “major blow” to Newcastle’s midfield. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has stressed that the midfielder is content at the club, suggesting he may not be eager to leave. Analysts have questioned whether Tottenham can afford multiple high-value signings in one window.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact fee: Ben Jacobs cites an £85 million base with add-ons, while other outlets place the asking price at £100 million. No formal bid has been lodged, and Tonali’s personal preference remains unclear—some reports say he wants Tottenham, others suggest a possible return to Serie A.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After confirming that Tottenham are “in conversations” with Tonali’s camp, Romano added: “Sandro Tonali WANTS to go to Tottenham, so he’s keen on the move.” — Fabrizio Romano, transfer journalist
- “Bid of around £85m plus add-ons taking the package to around £100m expected to be considered by #NUFC.” — Ben Jacobs, X commentator
- “Losing Sandro Tonali would be a major blow,” — Steve Howey, former Newcastle defender
- “Sandro’s very happy here,” — Eddie Howe, Newcastle United manager
- “’ Ornstein’s work colleague Jay Harris, who covers Tottenham for The Athletic, also gave his view on a potential Sandro Tonali signing: ‘They have acted shrewdly [bringing in free transfers Robertson and Senesi] but pulling off a deal for Tonali would be a real statement of intent under De Zerbi.” — Jay Harris, The Athletic
- “AC Milan will receive a financial reward that doesn’t involve a percentage of future sales or anything like that. It doesn’t exist. They will receive around a million [euros] from a solidarity contribution.” — Matteo Moretto, Italian journalist
What’s Next
Tottenham are expected to open formal club-to-club talks with Newcastle within days, while Manchester City may submit a competing bid. The transfer window closes on 31 August, leaving limited time for negotiations, add-on arrangements and possible interest from Arsenal or Manchester United.
