Sandro Tonali’s impending transfer from Newcastle United to Tottenham Hotspur could provide a financial lifeline to Brescia Calcio, according to a report from L’Équipe. The deal, estimated to be worth around €110 million, is poised to trigger a FIFA solidarity payment that would significantly benefit Brescia, the club where Tonali began his footballing journey.
Brescia were relegated from Serie B last summer after being refused registration for the following season due to financial difficulties, specifically unpaid player salaries under former president Massimo Cellino. The club effectively ceased operations, but recently reactivated its registration with the Lombard regional football committee, a necessary step to participate in future competitions. The deadline to register for amateur championships was June 30th, coinciding with the potential for funds from Tonali’s transfer.
The transfer is expected to yield approximately six million euros for Brescia through the FIFA solidarity mechanism, which distributes a portion of transfer fees to clubs that developed the player between the ages of 12 and 23. Tonali joined Brescia’s youth system at 12 and was later sold to AC Milan at 20, making the club eligible for this payment. This revenue is crucial for addressing Brescia’s financial deficits and potentially allowing them to re-enter amateur football in the 2026-2027 season.
The revival is also linked to Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi, a known supporter of Brescia Calcio, whose interest in signing Tonali has inadvertently created this opportunity for his former club. However, Brescia still faces significant hurdles, including a total deficit of 19 million euros. A restructuring plan presented by Cellino will be reviewed by the Brescia Tribunal on July 13th, and failure to gain approval could lead to the club’s bankruptcy.
Adding to the complexity, a new club, Union Brescia – formerly Feralpisalò – has moved into the city to fill the void left by the original Brescia Calcio’s absence. Union Brescia has already gained a following and reached the Serie C play-off final last season, and has secured the right to play at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti for the next three years. Cellino has publicly dismissed any possibility of a merger between the two clubs, asserting that Union Brescia is not the “true Brescia.”
Tonali, 26, joined Newcastle from AC Milan last summer for a reported £60 million. His move to Tottenham represents a significant investment for De Zerbi, and potentially a lifeline for a club steeped in Italian football history.
