Sandro Tonali reveals why he chose Tottenham over Manchester City and Enzo Maresca

Sandro Tonali has confirmed his decision to join Tottenham Hotspur over Manchester City, attributing his choice to the influence of manager Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian midfielder, who has agreed to a transfer from Newcastle United for a reported fee of £100 million, highlighted personal and familial factors in his decision. This announcement comes on July 2, 2026, at Milan Linate Airport.

Personal Connections Drive Tonali's Decision

Tonali explained that his relationship with De Zerbi, a fellow native of Brescia, played a crucial role in his transfer to Spurs. Speaking to Sky Italia, he noted, "Newcastle wanted the best for me and we wanted the best deal for them, so I think once you go like this, it is different." His family’s needs also factored into the decision, especially after the birth of his child last year.

• Transfer fee: £100 million
• Previous club: Newcastle United
• Connection with De Zerbi: Both hail from Brescia

De Zerbi's Impact on Tonali's Career

Tonali expressed gratitude for De Zerbi’s commitment and effort in persuading him to join Tottenham. He stated, "Let's say De Zerbi did a great job. He was a huge factor in all this." The midfielder emphasized that De Zerbi's dedication and the shared Brescia background were significant in his decision-making process.

As Tonali gears up for this new chapter, he acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. He mentioned the need to adapt quickly, especially with the team facing difficulties in the previous seasons. "The start will not be easy, especially since they're coming off two difficult seasons. We'll try to make sure everything is new and everything is positive," he added.

Looking Ahead: Tonali's New Chapter at Tottenham

With the World Cup ongoing, Tonali is focused on settling into his new role. He mentioned the importance of taking things step-by-step, starting with the medical examinations and training camp. "We're definitely going step-by-step. First, getting there, getting the medical examinations, signing, and then we have to take everything slowly," he said.

As he prepares to join his new teammates, Tonali’s excitement is palpable. He aims to bring a fresh perspective to Tottenham as they aim to improve their performance in the upcoming season.