Tottenham enter race to sign Newcastle midfielder Tonali in 2026

Tottenham Hotspur have joined clubs interested in Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali with Spurs manager Roberto de Zerbi having long admired him.

Spurs join Tonali pursuit Tottenham Hotspur have added their name to the growing list of clubs monitoring Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi has publicly praised Tonali in the past, even naming him a priority target during his tenure at Sassuolo when Tonali was starring in Serie A. The club has now assessed the financial implications of a potential deal for the 26-year-old Italian international. Manchester City and Arsenal have also been linked with Tonali, though no formal bid has been submitted by any interested party so far. ## Newcastle's Tonali remains under contract Newcastle United have already completed the sale of forward Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3 million, yet club CEO David Hopkinson has insisted they will only consider player trades on terms dictated by the club itself. Newcastle currently hold a strong hand in negotiations, as Tonali remains under contract until 2030. The midfielder's contract was renewed during his 10-month suspension for betting-related misconduct, reflecting the club's trust in his abilities. The present market conditions could further benefit Newcastle if multiple clubs submit competing offers, given recent valuations of midfielders in Europe. ## Recent midfield transfer trends Nottingham Forest turned down Manchester City's second bid, estimated at around £120 million, for Elliot Anderson. Meanwhile, relegated West Ham United are seeking up to £80 million for Mateus Fernandes. These figures highlight the premium placed on midfield talent in the current transfer landscape, which may influence Newcastle's valuation of Tonali as potential suitors consider similar financial outlays. ## Financial gap between Spurs and Newcastle Despite finishing above Tottenham in the Premier League in three of the last four seasons, Newcastle lag behind Spurs in revenue generation. In their most recent financial reports, Tottenham's income exceeded Newcastle's by £230 million, driven largely by strong off-field revenue streams that offset inconsistent league performances. This financial advantage has allowed Spurs to expand their wage budget and pursue top-tier talent. The club's leadership has emphasized the need for experienced, physically robust, and leadership-driven players to strengthen the squad. ## Tonali's 2024-25 season performance Tonali's technical abilities are widely recognized, but his 2024-25 campaign with Newcastle showcased his all-round contributions in impressive detail. He successfully regained possession 109 times, made 34 interceptions, and executed 1,308 high-pressure actions throughout the season. Eddie Howe, Newcastle's head coach, once described Tonali as someone he 'fell in love with' after watching him play, highlighting the midfielder's impact on the team. ## Newcastle's rebuilding phase and selling reality Newcastle are entering a phase where they must become more comfortable selling key players as part of their long-term rebuild strategy. Club leaders acknowledge the challenge of parting ways with core talents like Tonali, Gordon, or Alexander Isak, who moved to Liverpool for a British record fee of £125 million last summer. The possibility of a substantial offer reaching £100 million for Tonali could tempt Newcastle to cash in, especially given his recent dip in form. At this early stage of the transfer window, however, such an outcome remains highly uncertain. ## Tonali remains a coveted asset Tonali's contract runs until 2030, meaning any potential sale would occur far in advance of his expiry. The midfielder's versatility, leadership qualities, and consistent high-pressure play make him one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. Clubs like Tottenham, Manchester City, and Arsenal are monitoring him closely, though none have yet made an official approach. His ability to win back possession and contribute defensively adds to his appeal for top Premier League sides.