Tottenham Hotspur seem to have multiple transfer irons in the fire right now with rumors about approaches for Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, and Adam Wharton. But it’s Tonali that appears to be picking up steam — there are two new reports out today, one from David Ornstein in the Athletic that says Tottenham have opened negotiations with Newcastle United for the transfer of Tonali, and another from DiMarzio which has more financial details.
First, the Ornacle: Ornstein says Spurs are in talks with
Tonali’s representation to reach an agreement on personal terms, but critically have also contacted Newcastle to begin talks about a transfer fee. Ornstein says that Newcastle will want £100m to let Tonali go, which frankly is an INSANE number for a guy coming off of a somewhat disappointing season in Tyneside. Ornstein also acknowledges that Manchester City are also in the running, but suggests Spurs are moving quickly to get a deal agreed before City.
Now enter Gianluca DiMarzio, who similarly says Spurs have made an approach for Tonali, but with different financial numbers: DiMarzio claims Newcastle want €85m (£74m) for Tonali, but Spurs have offered €75m (£65m).
The words “statement of intent” are being thrown around regarding this transfer. I’ve already said I don’t think the opportunity cost is particularly good at this price range for Tonali, especially if his skill set is closer to Rodrigo Bentancur than, say, Adam Wharton. But £65m is certainly a better price than £100m. What I also hope is that any agreement for Tonali doesn’t close the door to ALSO getting an excellent midfield passer.
Fernandes comes closer to the role I have in mind, and Wharton is even closer. Fernandes is a guy you can dream on a bit and say his skills can pop more if put in a not-West-Ham side. Tonali… I just don’t get, really, except that Roberto De Zerbi really likes and wants him. Plus Fernandes hasn’t been banned for a year for illegal gambling on matches, which is also a plus for me. On the other hand, Tonali looks like Kylo Ren and there would be plenty of #joke possibilities, so who can say which one is better, really?
IDK y’all, I don’t feel especially good about this, though if the price ends up around £70m then I guess I’m a little more okay than the alternative? But yowza, spending that kind of money for a guy who’s basically a better version of every other midfielder we currently have doesn’t fill me with a ton of confidence.
