Official: Italy international Sandro Tonali joins Tottenham Hotspur in an Italia-record transfer from Newcastle United (@Spurs via X)
Sandro Tonali has explained the thinking behind his move to Tottenham, describing the switch as “the best solution” for his career and his family after leaving Newcastle.
According to BBC Sport, the Italy midfielder revealed he had held talks with two clubs before opting for Roberto De Zerbi’s Spurs, and knew almost immediately where his future lay.
“When you speak with a team, the first impression is a big thing and my impression was very positive,” Tonali said. “When you are happy after a 10-minute chat, it’s everything, everything is perfect.”
Tonali reveals Italy return was priced out by fee
Tellingly for the Serie A clubs who admired him, Tonali admitted he and his family had actually resolved to return to Italy, only for the size of the fee to make it impossible.
“We had decided to come back to Italy but it was impossible for the money,” he said, explaining that clubs could meet his wages but not the transfer fee. “England was our solution and we found the best solution in England… I understood after 10, 15 minutes that Tottenham would be my next team.”
The central midfielder, who joins an Italian contingent on De Zerbi’s staff and links up with compatriot Destiny Udogie, stressed the move was no reflection on his time at Newcastle, praising former manager Eddie Howe, who has since left the club, as “fantastic for me.”
Tonali acknowledged the price tag brings “a lot of pressure,” but said he had pushed for the best possible deal for Newcastle because the club “deserve everything,” saluting the passion of the St James’ Park support he leaves behind.