Sandro Tonali’s agent has lifted the lid on one of the most eye-catching transfers of the window, explaining why the Italy midfielder walked away from Newcastle United to join Tottenham Hotspur. Giuseppe Riso, who represents the 25-year-old, says the Magpies simply did not evolve into the ambitious project they had promised when Tonali arrived from AC Milan.
The project that stalled
According to Riso, Tonali grew frustrated as Newcastle failed to build on the promise shown when he joined. The midfielder spent three seasons at St James’ Park following his £55 million switch from the San Siro, racking up more than 100 appearances in black and white. Yet despite his own consistency and status as a fans’ favourite, the agent believes the club’s trajectory flattened at precisely the moment Tonali expected them to kick on and challenge for the game’s biggest honours.
Newcastle’s inability to match the vision sold to Tonali in 2023 ultimately proved decisive. For a player entering his prime years, standing still was never going to be an option.
De Zerbi’s home visit proved decisive
The turning point came when Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi personally visited Tonali at his home to pitch the project in north London. Riso revealed the face-to-face meeting was crucial in convincing his client that Spurs represented the right next step.
That personal touch, the agent suggested, demonstrated a level of ambition and clarity that Tonali felt had been missing on Tyneside. When a manager of De Zerbi’s calibre turns up on your doorstep, it sends a powerful message about how highly you are valued.
The numbers behind the deal
Spurs paid £92.5 million plus a further £7.5 million in add-ons to prise Tonali away from Newcastle, with the Italian penning a six-year contract. The fee makes him one of the most expensive signings in Tottenham’s history and underlines the scale of De Zerbi’s rebuild.
It is also a remarkable piece of business in pure profit terms for Newcastle, who paid £55 million for Tonali three years ago, though few on Tyneside will be celebrating the departure of a midfield linchpin to a direct rival.
City’s interest and the Elliott Anderson twist
Riso also confirmed that Manchester City were in the race for Tonali’s signature before opting instead to sign Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a staggering £116 million deal. The agent described the resulting chain of transfers as a “crazy” sequence of moves that reshaped the Premier League’s midfield landscape in a matter of days.
City’s decision to pivot to Anderson opened the door for Spurs, who moved swiftly to get their man before the window slammed shut.
What it means for Newcastle
Losing Tonali is a painful blow for Newcastle and raises serious questions about the direction of the project. Having sold one of their crown jewels to a direct rival, the Magpies must now convince supporters, and their remaining star players, that the long-term vision remains intact.
The coming months will be defining. If Newcastle fail to reinvest wisely, Riso’s comments about a stalled project will only grow louder around St James’ Park.
A statement signing for Spurs
For Tottenham, the arrival of Tonali is a genuine statement of intent. De Zerbi has secured a midfielder entering his prime with Champions League pedigree and proven Premier League experience, and the six-year deal signals that Spurs view him as the cornerstone of their rebuild.
Betting takeaway for UK punters
For UK punters, the transfer ripple effects are worth watching. Tottenham’s odds for a top-four finish could shorten as De Zerbi’s new-look midfield takes shape, while Newcastle may drift if the squad is not adequately reinforced before the window closes.
Keep an eye on the player performance markets too. A more attack-minded role under De Zerbi could see Tonali’s goal and assist numbers improve, making him an interesting each-way shout in the midfielder specials. As always, gamble responsibly and only ever stake what you can afford to lose.
