Sandro Tonali is on his way to London. And he just told Italian reporters exactly why he picked Tottenham.
The Italian midfielder is expected to complete a £100 million move from Newcastle on Thursday, with a medical scheduled for later in the day. He’ll sign a six-year contract, making him the most expensive signing in Spurs history and the sixth addition of a wild summer window for Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.
Speaking at Milan airport before his flight, Tonali said the decision came down to two things: his family and his new manager.
A New Chapter After Three Years at Newcastle
“We decided to make a change, so we are ready for this new adventure,” Tonali told reporters. “Newcastle wanted the best for me, and I wanted the best deal for Newcastle. So we are all happy, and I am ready for this new challenge.”
He’s leaving a Newcastle team where he spent three seasons. But things changed after his child was born. That shifted his perspective on what he wanted out of his career and where he wanted to live.
“It is a life choice for my family,” Tonali said. “Because we come from three years at Newcastle, and our lives change with our child’s birth. So we decided to change a bit.”
De Zerbi’s Influence Was the Deciding Factor
Here’s where it gets interesting. Despite reported interest from Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, Tonali zeroed in on Tottenham. He gave the credit directly to De Zerbi.
“Let’s say that Roberto De Zerbi did a great job, had a big impact in all this,” Tonali said. “De Zerbi made a great difference. He did his job, and he did it very well.”
That tracks. Mateus Fernandes, who will reportedly line up next to Tonali in central midfield next season, said the exact same thing after his £85 million move was announced Thursday morning. De Zerbi convinced him too.
It’s a remarkable pull for a manager coming off back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the Premier League. But apparently the vision he’s selling is working.
Spurs aren’t done shopping either. They’re eyeing Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi. Meanwhile, De Zerbi’s magnetism is likely to keep helping them land top targets even without Champions League football to offer.
One thing Spurs sources did shoot down: any interest in Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford. They just handed Antonin Kinsky a new five-year deal earlier this week, so that door is closed.
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