Sandro Tonali has revealed that Roberto De Zerbi played a pivotal role in his imminent £100 million transfer from Newcastle United to Tottenham Hotspur. The Italy international acknowledged De Zerbi's influence as he prepares to undergo a medical in London after departing Newcastle, where he spent three years.
Tonali's Transfer Details
On Thursday, July 2, 2026, Tonali was seen at Milan airport, ready to finalize his move. The deal with Newcastle is structured as £92.5 million upfront, plus an additional £7.5 million in achievable add-ons, making it a club-record signing for Tottenham.
“De Zerbi played a huge role in this decision... I don't give him all the credit, but he deserves a lot,” Tonali stated in an interview with Sky in Italy. He emphasized that his choice was not solely based on footballing factors but also on lifestyle and family considerations, especially after the birth of his son.
Impact of Roberto De Zerbi
Tonali praised De Zerbi for his coaching abilities, stating, “He did his job, he did it very well and he was very talented.” The midfielder expressed his admiration for De Zerbi's commitment and work ethic, which made a significant impact on his decision to join Spurs.
