Football: Tottenham continues its spectacular transfer window by signing Italian Tonali

Newcastle's Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali signed with Tottenham on Monday, the London club announced on its website, continuing a spending summer after a very disappointing season that ended in 17th place in the Premier League.

According to the BBC, Spurs have reportedly paid 100 million pounds sterling (133.4 million euros) to secure the services of the 26-year-old player on a three-year contract, which would become a record for the north London club.

The previous record dates back to... four days ago, and the signing of Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for 99 million euros.

Tottenham, who have long had a reputation for spending less than their rivals, have signed 26-year-old Tonali, their sixth off-season signing, following the arrivals of Fernandes, Jean Paul van Hecke (60 million), Martin Dubravka, Marco Senesi and Andy Robertson.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi, who arrived on the Spurs bench last April after leaving Olympique de Marseille, has the mission of returning to the top of the standings, after a season where survival was only secured on the last day of the championship.

"I spoke with the head coach (Roberto De Zerbi) for almost two hours about the club, the fans, the stadium and our football. It was magical, because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham," said Sandro Tonali, who has 32 caps for Italy, on the Spurs website.

"Sandro is an exceptional player and an excellent signing for our club," reacted the Italian coach.

In 2024, Sandro Tonali was suspended for ten months by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for betting on football matches, including those of AC Milan, his club from 2020 to 2023.