Tottenham move for Tonali influenced by De Zerbi’s Brescia connection

By Megan Sinclair — 31 July 2026 — 3 min read

Tonali’s Decision to Join Tottenham

Sandro Tonali, the 26-year-old Italian midfielder, has shed light on his decision to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer. The move from Newcastle United was reportedly influenced by a significant conversation with head coach Roberto De Zerbi, which centered on their shared history with Italian club Brescia.

De Zerbi, a boyhood supporter who later played for Brescia, and Tonali, who began his senior career there, discussed the challenging situation facing their former club. Brescia is currently facing bankruptcy after being relegated to Serie C. This shared connection and discussion played a crucial role in convincing Tonali to make the move.

The transfer, which could be valued at up to £100m with add-ons, represents a club-record deal for Tottenham. This figure surpasses the £85m previously spent on Mateus Fernandes from West Ham earlier in the same week.

The Path to Tottenham

De Zerbi initiated contact with Tonali months before the official transfer, after learning that Newcastle United anticipated his departure. He reached out to a mutual friend, the team manager of Brescia, to facilitate communication. De Zerbi conveyed his interest, stating that if Tottenham avoided relegation, he would pursue Tonali.

Tonali played a part in Newcastle’s 3-1 victory over West Ham United on the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season. This result helped Tottenham secure their top-flight status for the 2026-27 season, requiring only one point from their final two matches. After a 2-1 loss to Chelsea, Tottenham confirmed their status with a 1-0 win on the final Sunday.

Following the final match, De Zerbi wasted no time in assembling his squad for the new season. He contacted Tonali the day after the last game, and they met in Brescia, the city where De Zerbi grew up and where Tonali spent over a decade as a player before joining Milan in 2020.

During their discussions, Tonali revealed that he had also spoken with another interested club. However, his initial impression of Tottenham was very positive. He described a 10-minute chat as being “everything, everything is perfect,” leading him to believe Tottenham would be his next team.

The midfielder also consulted with his wife, emphasizing their desire for a complete change in their lives, not just a new city. While a move back to Italy was initially preferred, it was not financially feasible as Italian clubs could not meet Newcastle’s asking price for the transfer fee, although they could afford his wages. England, therefore, became their solution, with Tottenham identified as the best fit for his career, football, happiness, and family.

Italian Connections and Future Prospects

The presence of an Italian contingent at Tottenham also played a role in Tonali’s decision. While goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is expected to leave, Tonali traveled with fellow Italian Destiny Udogie. De Zerbi’s backroom staff also includes Italians such as assistant Marcello Quinto, fitness coach Marco Marcattilio, and new strength and conditioning coach Agostino Tibaudi. Tonali noted that he now hears a significant amount of Italian spoken around the club.

Despite his move, Tonali holds fond memories of Newcastle, describing it as a city that “lives for football.” He expressed his desire to secure the best possible deal for Newcastle, acknowledging their support during a 10-month ban in 2023 and 2024 for illegal betting on football matches. He conveyed to his agent and sporting director Ross Wilson that he wanted the best deal for the club, indicating his respect for the staff and his hope for future amicable meetings.

Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, who became Tottenham’s record signing just days before Tonali’s arrival, are expected to form a strong midfield partnership. The two have already developed a good relationship off the pitch, which is anticipated to enhance their understanding on the field. De Zerbi emphasizes the importance of their on-pitch relationship, noting that their off-pitch connection is already strong. The players are now focused on adapting to Tottenham’s style of play and finding their shape together.

Source: standard.co.uk