Tonali credits De Zerbi for Tottenham switch

Sandro Tonali has revealed the 'huge role' Roberto De Zerbi played in his impending £100m move from Newcastle United to Tottenham Hotspur, according to the player's own account.

The Italy international midfielder is set to complete a record-breaking transfer that will see him become the most expensive signing in Spurs' history, surpassing the recent £85m deal for Mateus Fernandes.

De Zerbi's influence on Tonali's career

Tonali worked under De Zerbi at Brescia before the manager moved on to Shakhtar Donetsk, Marseille, and now reportedly the Brazil national team.

The 24-year-old credits De Zerbi with shaping his tactical understanding of the game, particularly in how to operate as a deep-lying playmaker.

“He taught me to read the game differently, to always think two passes ahead,” Tonali said in earlier interviews.

That relationship appears to have been a decisive factor in Tonali's willingness to leave Newcastle, where he had only been since July 2023.

What Tonali brings to Tottenham

Ange Postecoglou's side have been searching for a midfielder who can dictate tempo from deep while also contributing defensively.

Tonali averages 2.1 tackles per 90 minutes and 4.5 progressive passes, fitting the profile of a box-to-box controller.

At Newcastle, he was used both as a number six and a number eight, versatility that will appeal to Postecoglou's fluid system.

The Australian manager wants his midfielders to rotate positions, and Tonali's experience in Serie A and the Premier League will aid that adaptation.

  • Tonali's passing accuracy exceeds 85% in all competitions
  • He ranks in the top 10% of midfielders for ball recoveries per 90
  • His arrival could push Pape Matar Sarr or James Maddison into more advanced roles

Fantasy Premier League implications

Tonali is currently priced at £5.5m in FPL, but that is expected to rise once the transfer is official.

With Tottenham's attacking fixtures after Gameweek 10, he could become a differential option, especially if he takes set pieces.

At Newcastle, Tonali shared corners with Kieran Trippier, but at Spurs he may compete with James Maddison for dead-ball duties.

What comes next for Tonali and Spurs

The medical is scheduled for later this week, and a five-year contract is reportedly ready.

Tottenham would then need to register Tonali for the Premier League squad before the next match, likely against Bournemouth.

With the transfer window closing, this deal cements Spurs' intent to challenge for Champions League places.

Filed under: Transfer News | LA Premier League Home