Tonali completes €116m Tottenham transfer, rules out Italy return
Quick summary
Sandro Tonali is set to complete a €116m transfer from Newcastle United to Tottenham Hotspur, confirming he has no intention of returning to Italian football.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceSandro Tonali is on his way over to the UK to complete his record-breaking transfer to Tottenham Hotspur and stopped to answer a few questions from reporters on his way into the airport in Milan: ‘Up until now, there hasn’t been an opportunity to return to Italy’.
Tonali is set to become the most expensive Italian footballer of all time and is also set to crush Tottenham’s club transfer record for the second time in a week once his €116m (£99.5m) transfer from Newcastle United is complete .
Reports indicate that Tonali is set to earn a €12m-per-season salary over a six-year contract in North London, where he will be coached by another Italian in Roberto De Zerbi.
Tonali was spotted arriving at the Linate airport in Milan on Thursday morning, on his way back over to the UK to formally complete his transfer to Tottenham: “We’ve decided to change, we’re ready for this new adventure,” the Italy international told reporters near the entrance.
Tonali was also asked what he makes of his former Milan colleague Paolo Maldini being offered the role of technical director with the Italy national side, to which he replied: “We haven’t spoken about it, but it’s always a great feeling to work with him.”
There were also questions about a potential return to Serie A for Tonali at some stage further down the line, but this hasn’t been a realistic possibility in recent seasons: “Up until now it’s always been very difficult, we’ve spoken about it but up until now, there hasn’t been an opportunity for it.”
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leeds United at St James’ Park on January 07, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)41 And what if Milan were to come knocking?
“We talk about it every time, but one day if there is an opportunity, we will talk about it seriously.”
Watch: Tonali on his way back over to England to complete Spurs move
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What happened
Sandro Tonali, the Italian international midfielder, is on the verge of completing a blockbuster €116m move from Newcastle United to Tottenham Hotspur. The 24-year-old has reportedly set off to finalize the deal, which would represent one of the most expensive transfers in Premier League history. Tonali has communicated that he has no intention of returning to Serie A, effectively ending speculation linking him with Italian clubs. The move signals Tottenham's significant financial commitment and represents a major shift in Tonali's career after a turbulent spell at Newcastle.
Chance analysis
This is a transformative midfield signing for Tottenham, adding a player with elite ball-progression and creative ability. For Newcastle, losing Tonali for €116m represents both a massive financial windfall and a significant sporting loss in their engine room. Tonali's statement ruling out a return to Italy eliminates Serie A as a variable, making the Spurs move the likely outcome. This transfer will likely impact both clubs' upcoming match projections and could trigger Newcastle into the market for a replacement midfielder.
Tottenham significantly strengthen their midfield with an elite creative talent, while Newcastle face a major squad gap despite receiving a record fee.
If confirmed, Tottenham gain a top-tier midfielder boosting their title prospects, while Newcastle lose a key player and may need replacement signings.