Tottenham's £100m Tonali deal opens door for Man City to sell Trafford to Newcastle

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £100m deal to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, a move that reshapes Manchester City’s summer transfer plans and could accelerate a separate deal involving goalkeeper James Trafford.

Spurs had already agreed an £85m fee for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes before turning their attention back to Tonali, committing close to £185m on two midfielders in a statement of intent ahead of the new season. The agreement was reached as England celebrated a 2-1 victory over DR Congo.

For City, the news closes one door and opens another. Tonali had been on the club’s watchlist as Pep Guardiola’s side seek midfield reinforcements, particularly with Rodri’s future uncertain. Tottenham’s move ends that pursuit, forcing City’s recruitment team to revisit their options.

City are already close to completing a separate midfield signing. A £116m fee has been agreed with Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson, though the 23-year-old’s involvement in England’s World Cup campaign has delayed the official announcement. Anderson is expected to be at the Etihad Stadium next season and is seen as the first significant replacement for the outgoing Bernardo Silva.

The Tonali deal also has implications for the goalkeeper market. Newcastle had been keen on City’s James Trafford last summer, only for City to intervene and retain the 22-year-old after catching wind of Eddie Howe’s interest. Trafford subsequently became the club’s second-choice keeper behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain, though strong performances in domestic cup competitions kept his stock high and earned him a place in England’s World Cup squad.

Trafford has made clear he wants to play as a first-choice goalkeeper. With Donnarumma the favourite to retain the starting spot at the Etihad, Trafford is expected to weigh his options. Newcastle, now without Aaron Ramsdale and flush with Tonali’s transfer fee, are once again in the market for a goalkeeper and have renewed their interest in Trafford.

The Magpies have also sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona this summer, meaning Tonali’s departure adds further to a significant list of outgoings — and gives Newcastle both the financial means and the pressing need to bring in new faces before the season begins.