Sandro Tonali has credited Roberto De Zerbi with playing a decisive role in his £100m move from Newcastle United to Tottenham, describing the Spurs head coach as a key reason behind the switch.

Tonali was spotted at a Milan airport on Thursday, flying to London to undergo a medical ahead of completing the deal — a move structured as £92.5m plus £7.5m in achievable add-ons. It will represent a club-record signing for Tottenham.

"De Zerbi played a huge role in this decision... I don't give him all the credit, but he deserves a lot," Tonali told Sky in Italy.

The midfielder, who had drawn interest from Manchester City among others, was eager to work under his fellow Italian. He praised De Zerbi not merely as a Brescia native and a personal friend, but for the depth of work and commitment the manager had demonstrated.

Family life a factor in the decision

Tonali also cited personal circumstances as a significant part of his thinking. After three years on Tyneside, the birth of his son prompted a desire for a fresh start.

"It was also a lifestyle and family choice. We had been in Newcastle for three years and last year our lives changed — our son was born, so we decided to completely change our lives," he said.

Parting on good terms with Newcastle

Tonali's departure follows Anthony Gordon's move to Barcelona and ranks as Newcastle United's second-biggest sale, behind the £125m Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak. The club are understood to be confident of receiving the full £100m and plan to reinvest across multiple positions.

"The feelings are positive. It was a bit long, it was difficult. We had an agreement with Newcastle and we parted on very good terms," Tonali said. "They wanted the best for me and we wanted to do the best deal for Newcastle, so once you leave like this, it's different. We're all happy and I'm ready for this new adventure."

Looking ahead to life at Tottenham, Tonali struck a measured tone, acknowledging that the squad will only be fully assembled around a month into pre-season due to the ongoing FIFA World Cup. "The start will not be easy, especially since they're coming off two difficult seasons," he said. "We'll try to make sure everything is new and everything is positive."

Spurs' summer spending spree

Tonali's arrival is the headline act of a busy window for Tottenham. The club have already secured Andy Robertson from Liverpool on a free transfer, Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth on a free, Martin Dubravka from Burnley on a free, Jan Paul Van Hecke from Brighton for £52m, and Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85m — bringing total confirmed and agreed spend to £237m.

Sky Sports analyst Paul Merson backed the recruitment, calling Tonali "a proper, proper midfielder" and one of his favourite players in the Premier League. Merson noted that Tottenham have historically struggled to dominate midfield and believes De Zerbi's targeted signings address that weakness directly. "I expect them to have a good season next year," Merson said.

How Tottenham are financing the outlay

Sky Sports News reporter Michael Bridge explained that the shift in approach stems from the club's ownership. After narrowly avoiding relegation, the message from the Lewis family, Vinai Venkatesham, and Peter Charrington was unambiguous: never again. The family have injected £200m into the club since 2025, though that funding covers day-to-day operations rather than transfer fees directly.

Tottenham's world-class stadium generates significant commercial revenue — income that critics previously argued was not being channelled into the first team. That calculation appears to have changed. Potential outgoing transfers involving players such as Lucas Bergvall, Luka Vuskovic, Cristian Romero, Pape Matar Sarr, and Richarlison could raise further funds to balance the books.