Tottenham signs Sandro Tonali for €108 million, equaling the Italian transfer record

Contract and Key Details

Tonali signed a contract until June 30, 2032, and will be officially presented in the coming days. "Ich bin sehr glücklich, hier zu sein. Ich kann es kaum erwarten, dass die Saison losgeht", said Tonali. At Newcastle, the midfielder had most recently been a regular starter before the transfer was now completed.

The Italian had a sportingly successful time at Brescia Calcio before moving to AC Milan in 2020 for a total of €19.3 million. After a loan to Inter Milan, he was sold to Newcastle United in 2023 for €60.8 million. On Newcastle's side, only Alexander Isak (€145 million) was more expensive a year ago when he moved to Liverpool.

Career Path via Brescia, Milan and Newcastle

At Newcastle, Tonali significantly increased his market value from €38 million. By July 2024, he had made 114 appearances for Newcastle and the Italian national team. After his ten-month ban for illegal betting in the 2023/24 season, Tonali ranked among the best midfielders in the Premier League and among the ever-presents in Europe.

Internationally, Tonali joins the list of the most expensive transfers of all time. In the international comparison, the Italian now occupies 18th place. The Belgian powerhouse Romelu Lukaku moved from Inter to Chelsea in 2021 for €113 million, and in 2016, French world champion Paul Pogba became the record transfer at the time with his move from Juventus to Manchester United for €105 million.

International Comparison of Record Transfers

Compared to previous Italian record transfers, the gap is significant: Tonalis €108 million surpass Retegui's €62 million as well as the €60.8 million for Tonali himself in his move from Milan to Newcastle. Fernandes had only briefly held this status when West Ham paid €99 million for him.

Tottenham's Squad and Outlook

With the transfer, Tottenham is also making a clear statement in midfield. The Spurs' coach is, according to club information, Roberto De Zerbi; the squad comprises 38 players with a total market value of €668 million. Tonali is planned as a defensive midfielder and is expected to strengthen the team in the new season.

The Spurs had nearly ended the previous season with a sporting disaster, but have evidently been able to regroup. With the record transfer of Tonali, those responsible are showing that they are willing to dig deep into their pockets for the squad. The coming weeks will show how the Italian fits into Coach De Zerbi's system.