Sandro Tonali has completed a high-profile switch from Newcastle United to Tottenham, ending a three-year spell at St James’ Park that Tonali described as giving him "more than football" and "a home". The Italy international joins Spurs in a reported 100m deal, adding midfield depth as Tottenham continue a major rebuild under head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
The 26-year-old moves to North London after Newcastle and Tottenham agreed terms, with the transfer finalised on Monday. Tonali’s exit follows an 85m move for Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, underlining Tottenham’s heavy investment in central midfield. Tonali is expected to play a central role in De Zerbi’s long-term plans.
During three seasons on Tyneside, Tonali became a key figure for Newcastle.
Signed from AC Milan in 2023, Tonali made 110 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and registering nine assists. The midfielder also helped Newcastle secure a long-awaited domestic title, delivering a landmark cup success for the club and city.
That breakthrough came in the 2024-25 EFL Cup, where Newcastle defeated Liverpool 2-1 in the final. The victory at Wembley ended a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy, a milestone Tonali referenced when reflecting on his time in England. The match added significant weight to his legacy among Newcastle supporters.
| Player | From | To | Year Joined Newcastle | Reported Fee to Spurs | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Major Trophy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandro Tonali | AC Milan | Tottenham | 2023 | 100m | 110 | 10 | 9 | 2024-25 EFL Cup |
Tonali marked his departure with an extended Instagram message directed at Newcastle fans and staff, reflecting on both career highs and difficult moments. The midfielder served a 10-month suspension in 2023 for breaching Italian betting regulations, a period during which Tonali said he felt strong backing from the club and supporters.
"Three years ago I came to Newcastle not really knowing what to expect," Tonali said in an Instagram post. "Today it's time to say goodbye, and it's hard to find the right words.I want to start by thanking the club. To the people who work every day and nobody sees at the training ground, everyone who welcomed me and made me feel at home from the very first day. Thank you to the staff and my teammates for believing in me and helping me grow. A special mention to the gaffer, Eddie [Howe], who's been a real guiding figure and who always had my back throughout this journey. "
Sandro Tonali Newcastle Tottenham connection and message to fans
Tonali reserved his most emotional lines for the Newcastle fanbase, highlighting their support during the betting ban and beyond. The midfielder stressed how strongly he felt the backing inside St James’ Park, particularly in challenging periods, and linked that connection directly to the club’s breakthrough at Wembley.
"But 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. Together, we achieved something this city had been waiting decades for. At Wembley that day, it was special, a historic moment we got to share together. To the fans who never stopped believing, who never stopped cheering for this club, who were there in the hardest times, that trophy was for you. "
Tonali also referred to the personal ties formed away from the pitch, noting how family life developed in Newcastle alongside professional success. "The game brought me to Newcastle. Today I leave with my wife and our son, born during my time here. This city gave me more than football, it gave me a home, moments I'll hold onto forever, and people I will always be grateful for. Thank you for everything. " As Tonali begins a new chapter at Tottenham, those experiences continue to shape the midfielder’s link to English football.
