Newcastle has turned down Tottenham’s opening offer for Sandro Tonali. The bid was around £75 million to £80 million. The Magpies want at least £85 million up front with add-ons that push the total package to about £100 million.
This is according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who posted on X that Newcastle rejected the Spurs bid outright. Fabrizio Romano confirmed the offer was sent three days ago and dismissed immediately. Romano added that Spurs remain determined and keep pushing, with new manager Roberto De Zerbi eager to bring the midfielder to north London.
Tonali wants out of Newcastle after they finished 12th in the Premier League and missed Champions League qualification. The club initially refused to sell but has softened that stance for the right price. Newcastle’s asking price is steep, but they hold all the leverage with Tonali under contract until 2028.
Manchester City also in the mix
City has reached out to Tonali’s representatives but hasn’t made a formal approach to Newcastle yet. That could change quickly. The defending champions have the financial muscle to match Newcastle’s demands if Pep Guardiola pushes for the signing.
Manchester United is monitoring the situation but hasn’t made a move. According to multiple reports, Tonali is on United’s list of midfield targets, but he’s not the top priority right now. The club has other positions it needs to fill first, and the asking price might be too high for how they view his fit.
United has made inquiries but seems content to let Spurs and City battle it out. If the price drops or if United misses on other targets, that could change. But for now, they’re watching from a distance.
What Tonali would bring
The 26-year-old Italian international is a box-to-box midfielder with serious technical ability. He can sit deep and dictate tempo or push forward and create chances. He’s also good defensively, which makes him valuable in multiple systems.
Newcastle paid AC Milan around £55 million for Tonali in 2023. His value has held up even during a disappointing season for the club. A bidding war between Tottenham and City could drive the price even higher, which is exactly what Newcastle wants.
Spurs have been the most aggressive so far. They need midfield reinforcements after a shaky season, and De Zerbi sees Tonali as a key piece for the style he wants to play. City would be adding depth to an already loaded midfield, but Tonali could be a long-term replacement for someone like Kevin De Bruyne down the line.
This one isn’t over yet. Expect more offers and counteroffers as the summer window heats up.
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