Sandro Tonali is nearing a move to Tottenham Hotspur, but the official announcement of the £100million transfer is currently delayed due to a separate deal involving Newcastle United, according to reports. The Italy midfielder was filmed at a Milan airport on Thursday en route to London to complete a medical ahead of the move.
Tonali spoke with Sky Italy while travelling, highlighting the significant influence of Tottenham’s new manager Roberto De Zerbi in his decision. He stated, “De Zerbi played a huge role in this decision. He deserves a lot of the credit.” He also indicated a cautious approach to integrating into his new team, saying, “We have to take everything slowly, starting with the pre-season training camp.”
The hold-up is reportedly linked to Newcastle’s announcement of the signing of Bazoumana Toure, with Tottenham needing to wait for that deal to be public before confirming Tonali’s arrival. A post on X, formerly Twitter, suggested the delay is unusual given the contract is believed to be signed, questioning why Tottenham are awaiting Newcastle’s timeline.
Spurs insider Paul O’Keefe has moved to reassure fans, stating that “Everything is ready to go. Just have to be patient” and adding there is “a reason but nothing to worry about.” The Athletic reports the transfer fee will be £92.5million upfront, with a further £7.5million in potential add-ons for the 26-year-old.
This deal will represent a significant shift in spending for Tottenham, breaking their transfer record for the second time in quick succession, reflecting the ambition of the club’s new ownership under the Lewis Family. Tottenham have already secured Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka on free transfers, and have spent £52million on Jan Paul van Hecke and £85million on Mateus Fernandes. The club are also reportedly pursuing Milan winger Rafael Leao and a new striker as De Zerbi reshapes the squad.
Tonali has been a key figure in midfield for AC Milan, contributing consistently to their Champions League runs and Serie A campaigns. He has developed into a well-rounded midfielder, known for his tackling, passing range, and tactical intelligence. His arrival at Tottenham is expected to provide a significant upgrade in midfield quality and offer De Zerbi a crucial building block for his new project.
