Tottenham agree club-record £100m deal to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle

Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a deal that could reach £100million, making the Italy international the most expensive signing in the North London club’s history.

According to The Athletic, Spurs will pay an initial £92.5m for Tonali, with a further £7.5m in add-ons contingent on multiple Champions League qualifications. The agreement comes after Newcastle rejected two earlier bids from Tottenham, who escalated their pursuit late last month by opening direct club-to-club contact.

Personal terms between Tonali and Spurs were never expected to be a significant obstacle, and the focus throughout negotiations centred on bridging the gap between the clubs’ valuations. Newcastle had been firm in their resistance before the two sides eventually found common ground.

Tonali was identified as a priority target by Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi as he looks to reshape his squad following a turbulent season that ended with the club narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League. The 24-year-old midfielder had been among the most coveted players in English football this summer, with Arsenal also linked with a move for his services.

Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £55m three years ago, meaning the Magpies stand to make a substantial profit on the deal. His time at St James’ Park included a lengthy ban related to betting violations, but he returned to form and cemented his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most technically accomplished midfielders.

The transfer represents a significant statement of intent from Tottenham and De Zerbi, who has been handed considerable resources to overhaul a squad that struggled for consistency throughout the previous campaign.