Sandro Tonali confirms Newcastle exit, cites notable reasons

Sandro Tonali has confirmed his departure from Newcastle United as the Italian midfielder edges closer towards becoming a Tottenham Hotspur player.

Tottenham have reached an agreement to sign Tonali for £100 million. The 26-year-old midfielder will become Spurs most expensive transfer, eclipsing the £85 million paid to bring in Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.

As fans await Tonali’s official unveiling at Tottenham, the former AC Milan star has admitted that the move was driven by lifestyle and family choices.

Tonali also revealed the role countryman Roberto De Zerbi played in the move.

Sandro Tonali during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United. (Photo by George Wood – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Speaking to Sky Sport, Tonali explained the process: “[The negotiation] was a bit long. We had a sort of agreement with Newcastle, we talked every day and we made it. They wanted the best from me, we wanted the best deal for them. We parted on excellent terms, we’re all happy and I’m ready for this new adventure.”

When asked why he choose Tottenham, Tonali said: “De Zerbi played a big role in this and then it’s a lifestyle and family choice after three years at Newcastle. De Zerbi deserves a lot of the credit, he did it not only as a Brescia native and a friend but also as a hard worker, he’s committed to this.”

Tonali, who has already departed for London with his representatives and wife, is focused on hitting the ground running.

“We go step by step: medicals and signature and then we will leave for the training camp. The team will be ready in a month because the World Cup is here. The club is coming off a difficult season, but we’ll try to make sure everything goes well,” the midfielder added, outlining his immediate plans for the summer.

Tonali will be unveiled as a Tottenham Hotspur player in the next few hours and his arrival in north London completes a significant overhaul of the Spurs engine room.