Sandro Tonali has revealed how a magical two-hour conversation with Roberto De Zerbi convinced him Tottenham was the only club he wanted to join upon leaving Newcastle.
Spurs won the race for Tonali, smashing their transfer record in a £100million deal to beat Premier League rivals, including Manchester City and Arsenal.
‘People said about there being four or five clubs – there was only one,’ said the 26-year-old Italy midfielder after completing the move to London on Monday.
‘I spoke to the head coach for close to two hours about the club, the fans, the stadium and our football.
‘It was like magic because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham.
‘I’m very happy to be here. When I arrived, it felt fantastic. I can’t wait to start the season.’
Sandro Tonali has completed a club-record £100million move to Tottenham from Newcastle
Tonali came through the academy of Brescia, the town in northern Italy from where De Zerbi hails. Both played for AC Milan. And there is no doubt the new Spurs boss played a vital role to land his man.
‘I have followed him for a long time, as he came through the youth system at my hometown club, Brescia,’ said De Zerbi. ‘I’m so happy to be working with him now.
‘Given his qualities, there was a lot of interest in Sandro this summer. However, he was very clear in his desire to join Tottenham, and I know our fans will love what he brings to the team.
‘Sandro is a special player and a great signing for our club.’
Tonali moved to Newcastle from Milan in 2023. He missed most of his first season in English football when hit with a 10-month gambling ban, before returning to become part of the powerful midfield trio with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton which helped drive Eddie Howe’s team to lift the League Cup in 2025.
As he left Tyneside, he posted this personal message to the Geordies on social media channels.
Tonali said: ‘Three years ago I came to Newcastle not really knowing what to expect. Today it’s time to say goodbye and it’s hard to find the right words.
‘Above all, I want to speak directly to the fans. When things were hard for me, you were there. Not for one day did I feel alone. I felt it every time I was at St James’ Park. That’s something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.’
De Zerbi was determined to improve the Spurs midfield, passing up an option to convert Joao Palhinha’s loan from Bayern Munich into a permanent move for £30million and instead spend £85m to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham and £100m for Tonali.
Not only do Fernandes, 21, and Tonali offer greater longevity than 30-year-old Palhinha, they also offer more craft and vision on the ball in midfield, which will go down well with the Spurs fans who, like De Zerbi, always love to see their teams dominate possession.
They are also strong and stress-tested in the physically demanding and high-tempo arena of the Premier League.
‘Sandro is one of the best midfielders in Europe,’ said Spurs sporting director Johan Lange. ‘He has outstanding technical quality to go with real football intelligence, and has the character to thrive in a demanding, high-pressure environment.
‘Sandro brings valuable experience at the highest level, both domestically and in European competition and I know our supporters will love his energy and commitment on the pitch.
‘We are all excited to see him pull on our famous Lilywhite shirt for the first time.’
