Blab Sports
Tottenham Target Sandro Tonali as De Zerbi Eyes Midfield Upgrade
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali for the summer transfer window, a move that would signal a major rebuild under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi. The 25‑year‑old, who inked a new deal with Newcastle United in January 2026 that runs until the summer of 2029, is a lynchpin for the North East club and is unlikely to leave unless Newcastle receives a substantial offer.
Tottenham’s need for a midfield upgrade grew after the club narrowly avoided relegation in the 2025‑26 Premier League season. De Zerbi, appointed on a five‑year contract on 31 March 2026, has described himself as a “hands‑on” manager who wants to bring in big signings to keep the club out of the bottom three. The club has already added defensive stalwart Andy Robertson and forward Marcos Senesi, and is now looking to strengthen the centre‑of‑play to complement the squad’s existing depth.
Tonali’s contract gives Newcastle a strong negotiating position. The Italian signed a five‑year deal in 2024 that includes an option for an additional year, but the contract contains no release clause. According to reports, the player’s average annual salary is around $6.24 million, and he was signed by Newcastle for a reported €70 million in 2023. Because of the lack of a release clause, Newcastle would need to offer a fee that the club considers “seismic” – estimates from Sky Sports suggest a figure in the region of £80 million or more.
Tottenham’s interest is part of a broader strategy that has already seen the club sign high‑profile players such as Jan Paul van Hecke and to bring in a midfielder who can “command through the middle” and “make things happen,” according to Sky Sports reporters Mark McAdam and Michael Bridge. The club’s transfer policy has shifted from a cautious approach to a more aggressive one, with the aim of securing players who can elevate the team’s performance and keep the club competitive in the Premier League and European competitions.
Newcastle’s perspective is that Tonali is a “prized asset” and a central figure in the club’s midfield. The club has expressed that it would only consider selling the player if the offer is “financially compelling.” Other Premier League clubs, including Manchester City and Arsenal, have shown interest, but the lack of a release clause means Newcastle can negotiate from a position of strength.
The Premier League summer transfer window opens on 15 June 2026 and closes on 1 September 2026. Tottenham’s window is expected to be active from the start, with the club looking to secure signings before the deadline. If a deal for Tonali is reached, it would likely be announced in the first week of the window.
In summary, Tottenham’s pursuit of Sandro Tonali reflects the club’s ambition to rebuild a midfield capable of challenging for top‑flight positions. Newcastle’s contract structure gives the club leverage, but the potential fee required may deter other suitors. The outcome of this transfer saga will be closely watched as the summer window unfolds, and it will have implications for both clubs’ plans for the 2026‑27 season.
Tottenham’s need for a midfield upgrade grew after the club narrowly avoided relegation in the 2025‑26 Premier League season. De Zerbi, appointed on a five‑year contract on 31 March 2026, has described himself as a “hands‑on” manager who wants to bring in big signings to keep the club out of the bottom three. The club has already added defensive stalwart Andy Robertson and forward Marcos Senesi, and is now looking to strengthen the centre‑of‑play to complement the squad’s existing depth.
Tonali’s contract gives Newcastle a strong negotiating position. The Italian signed a five‑year deal in 2024 that includes an option for an additional year, but the contract contains no release clause. According to reports, the player’s average annual salary is around $6.24 million, and he was signed by Newcastle for a reported €70 million in 2023. Because of the lack of a release clause, Newcastle would need to offer a fee that the club considers “seismic” – estimates from Sky Sports suggest a figure in the region of £80 million or more.
Tottenham’s interest is part of a broader strategy that has already seen the club sign high‑profile players such as Jan Paul van Hecke and to bring in a midfielder who can “command through the middle” and “make things happen,” according to Sky Sports reporters Mark McAdam and Michael Bridge. The club’s transfer policy has shifted from a cautious approach to a more aggressive one, with the aim of securing players who can elevate the team’s performance and keep the club competitive in the Premier League and European competitions.
Newcastle’s perspective is that Tonali is a “prized asset” and a central figure in the club’s midfield. The club has expressed that it would only consider selling the player if the offer is “financially compelling.” Other Premier League clubs, including Manchester City and Arsenal, have shown interest, but the lack of a release clause means Newcastle can negotiate from a position of strength.
The Premier League summer transfer window opens on 15 June 2026 and closes on 1 September 2026. Tottenham’s window is expected to be active from the start, with the club looking to secure signings before the deadline. If a deal for Tonali is reached, it would likely be announced in the first week of the window.
In summary, Tottenham’s pursuit of Sandro Tonali reflects the club’s ambition to rebuild a midfield capable of challenging for top‑flight positions. Newcastle’s contract structure gives the club leverage, but the potential fee required may deter other suitors. The outcome of this transfer saga will be closely watched as the summer window unfolds, and it will have implications for both clubs’ plans for the 2026‑27 season.
