Tottenham have learned just how much Newcastle star Sandro Tonali will cost them if they manage to get a deal over the line, and it is pretty crazy.
Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly leading the charge for his Italian compatriot after identifying the Magpies star as one of his top summer targets.
He’s also been heavily linked with the likes of Arsenal and Man City this window, but they appear to be falling short of the Lilywhites when it comes to actively pursuing the 26-year-old.
Tottenham have already had an £80m offer rebuffed by Eddie Howe’s side, but widespread reports indicate they’re not giving up as De Zerbi pushes for what would be a statement addition.
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He’s been given major encouragement by Tonali’s own desire to join the north Londoners, regardless of their consecutive 17th-placed finishes, with Spurs’ boss said to be a major attraction.
The former AC Milan star, after returning from his 10-month footballing ban in 2023 for breaking betting rules, has been a mainstay and key player for Howe since, even if some believe the Italy international’s form dropped off somewhat last season.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
This news comes from Lee Ryder, who has been a respected source on Newcastle transfer news for years. Now The Chronicle’s chief Newcastle writer, Ryder has written a plethora of in-depth stories about the club — feeding off information from his St. James’ Park sources and media briefs from Newcastle themselves. |
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Finances |
After having their £80m bid rejected, Tonali’s price tag is widely reported to be around the £100m mark, and some media sources believe that Spurs are willing to pay that figure. However, given other reports suggest they have a transfer budget just north of £200m to spend this summer, a deal for Tonali would eat into a sizeable chunk of that figure and leave many wondering how they can afford to splash even more on the likes of Savinho (£50-60m) and Mateus Fernandes (£85m), who are still separate targets at the time of writing. |
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Insight |
Tonali, when at his very best, can be equally useful as both a box-to-box midfielder and deep-lying number six. Eddie Howe has also likened him to Italy legend Andrea Pirlo in terms of playing style, and defender Malick Thiaw was the only Newcastle player entrusted with more Premier League minutes last season than Tonali. |
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Impact |
Tonali could have a big influence on Spurs’ midfield next season if Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham seal the deal with Newcastle. His big game experience, proven Premier League quality, in-game intelligence, technicality and athleticism would prove a major boost to a side who were far too reliant on the likes of Joao Palhinha (who has now gone), Rodrigo Bentancur, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, with De Zerbi in need of a player who can help Spurs dictate the tempo and control matches. |
De Zerbi has reportedly eyed up Tonali ever since his time at Sassuolo (BBC), and if reports are to be believed, Spurs are trying to grant the manager’s long-time wish.
However, even beyond the potential £100m fee, Lange and Venkatesham will have major additional costs to consider.
Tottenham learn eye-watering total Sandro Tonali fee
According to chief Chronicle journalist Lee Ryder, writing in a piece for The Mirror, Tonali has agreed terms on a bumper six-year contract to join Tottenham, which would make him by far the highest paid player at the club.
The deal, believed to be worth around £275,000-per-week, totals £86 million over the course of his contract, and if you add that on to his £100m-plus transfer fee, combined with agents fees and bonuses, Tonali will cost a mammoth £200m in total for Spurs to get the over the line.
Offer made: Tottenham submit £65m up front bid to sign “quick” player
Spurs are determined to back Roberto De Zerbi.
Taking this into account, the big question remains — is it worth it?
Tottenham’s potential Sandro Tonali alternatives if a deal can’t be done
Spurs clearly have money to spend, but they’ll need to tread carefully when it comes to spending that much on one player given their lack of European football and subsequent revenue next season.
Their pursuit of West Ham star Mateus Fernandes is also ongoing and a separate chase from Tonali, with De Zerbi apparently in hot pursuit of two star midfielders.
Elliot Anderson’s £116m move to Man City appears to have inflated the midfielder market, and elite sides are using that deal as a yardstick to gauge the valuations of their in-demand engine room men.
In terms of the underrated alternatives who Spurs could turn to instead of Tonali if a deal proves too costly, Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller, who still has a £34m release clause in his deal, may be a prudent option.
Meanwhile, £70m Lille sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi is starring at the World Cup with Morocco right now, with Arsenal said to be very keen on a deal for the African rising star.
He could also be a solid choice for De Zerbi.
Sandro Tonali’s promise to Roberto De Zerbi as Tottenham bow to salary demands
The midfielder has given De Zerbi his word.
