By Francis Onyach - Reporter
U.K July 2, 2026 -Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of completing one of the biggest transfers in Premier League history after reaching an agreement with Newcastle United for the signing of Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali in a deal worth up to £100 million.
According to multiple reliable reports, Spurs have agreed to pay an initial £92.5 million with a further £7.5 million in performance-related add-ons, while Tonali has already agreed personal terms on a long-term contract. The move is expected to become Tottenham's most expensive signing ever and one of the standout deals of the 2026 summer transfer window.
Negotiations between Tottenham and Newcastle accelerated over the past week after Spurs saw earlier offers rejected.
Newcastle had remained firm in their valuation, insisting throughout negotiations that only a package worth around £100 million would persuade them to sell one of their most influential players. Tottenham eventually met those demands, agreeing to a structure consisting of £92.5 million guaranteed and £7.5 million in achievable bonuses.
The agreement represents a remarkable profit for Newcastle, who signed Tonali from AC Milan in 2023 for around £55 million.
The player side of the transfer has progressed smoothly.
Tonali has agreed personal terms with Tottenham on a long-term contract reportedly worth around £275,000 per week, almost doubling his salary at Newcastle and making him one of the club's highest-paid players.
The Italy international is understood to have been convinced by Tottenham's ambitious rebuild and the opportunity to work under fellow Italian Roberto De Zerbi, who made Tonali his top transfer priority shortly after taking charge of the North London club.
Since his appointment, De Zerbi has made strengthening Tottenham's midfield one of his primary objectives.
The Italian coach believes Tonali possesses the technical ability, tactical intelligence and leadership qualities required to become the heartbeat of his new-look Spurs side.
The pair already share a close professional relationship through Italian football, and reports indicate De Zerbi personally pushed the club to complete the signing despite significant financial outlay.
For Tottenham, the move signals a dramatic shift in transfer strategy.
Following disappointing Premier League campaigns, Spurs have moved away from solely investing in promising youngsters and are now targeting proven, elite-level performers capable of transforming the team immediately.
Newcastle were initially reluctant to part ways with one of their most important midfielders.
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However, the club ultimately accepted Tottenham's proposal, which represents one of the highest fees ever received by a Premier League club for a midfielder.
According to reports, the substantial transfer income will provide Newcastle with additional financial flexibility as they reshape their squad after a disappointing campaign and address financial pressures, including UEFA sanctions related to financial regulations.
Despite interest from Manchester City, Arsenal and AC Milan during various stages of the window, none matched Tottenham's financial commitment or advanced as far in negotiations.
At 26, Tonali is widely regarded as one of Europe's finest central midfielders.
His game combines:
- Exceptional passing range.
- Composure under pressure.
- Defensive intelligence.
- High work rate and pressing ability.
- Leadership and tactical discipline.
- The versatility to operate as a deep-lying playmaker, box-to-box midfielder or holding midfielder.
These qualities make him an ideal fit for De Zerbi's possession-based system, where controlling the tempo of matches is essential.
Should the transfer be completed as expected, it will comfortably surpass Tottenham's previous transfer record.
More importantly, it sends a powerful message that Spurs intend to compete again among English football's elite.
Supporters have watched the club aggressively back De Zerbi this summer, but Tonali's arrival would represent the clearest indication yet that Tottenham are prepared to invest heavily in proven world-class talent rather than relying solely on future potential.
If finalized, Sandro Tonali's move to Tottenham will rank among the biggest transfers of the summer and one of the most expensive deals in Premier League history.
For Tottenham, it represents a bold statement of intent under Roberto De Zerbi as the club looks to return to the top end of English football. For Newcastle, the transfer delivers a huge financial return that can be reinvested into rebuilding the squad.
With the clubs having reportedly reached an agreement and the player already committed to the move, only the final procedural steps remain before Tonali is officially unveiled as Tottenham Hotspur's newest, and most expensive signing.