Sandro Tonali has lifted the lid on one of the biggest transfers of the 2026 summer window, revealing that it took him just 10 minutes to decide that Tottenham Hotspur was the right club for the next chapter of his career.
The Italian international completed a sensational £100 million move from Newcastle United, making him the most expensive signing in Tottenham history. While many expected lengthy negotiations or uncertainty over such a blockbuster transfer, Tonali insists the decision became crystal clear almost immediately after speaking with new Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Their shared football roots, honest conversations, and common vision for the future convinced the 26-year-old midfielder that Tottenham was exactly where he wanted to be.
Roberto De Zerbi Played the Biggest Role
Money was not the deciding factor behind Tonali’s move. Instead, the midfielder pointed to Roberto De Zerbi as the key reason he chose Tottenham.
The two Italians already shared a unique connection long before the transfer talks began. Both have deep ties to Brescia, a club that recently suffered financial collapse following relegation to Italy’s Serie C.
De Zerbi has always been a passionate Brescia supporter and even represented the club during his playing career. Tonali, meanwhile, graduated from Brescia’s academy before launching his professional career there.
That emotional bond became the foundation of their conversation.
According to Tonali, much of their first meeting focused on Brescia rather than football.
They discussed:
- Their love for Brescia.
- The club’s recent bankruptcy.
- Their shared memories of growing up around the club.
- Their hopes for Italian football.
Those personal conversations helped build immediate trust between player and manager.
The Tottenham Move Started With a Simple Message
Interestingly, Tottenham’s pursuit of Tonali did not begin during this summer’s transfer window.
De Zerbi had reportedly been monitoring the midfielder since the previous season. He initially contacted a mutual friend to find out whether Tonali would ever consider joining Tottenham.
The response was encouraging.
Tonali was reportedly open to the idea.
At the time, De Zerbi remained fully focused on keeping Tottenham in the Premier League. Once Spurs mathematically secured their survival with a victory over Everton, the manager immediately resumed discussions about signing the Italian midfielder.
Not long afterward, Tonali personally called De Zerbi.
The talks quickly progressed, leading to a face-to-face meeting at Tonali’s home near Brescia.
Speaking about those meetings, Tonali explained that he spent two weeks in the city and met De Zerbi several times before making his final decision.
Their Relationship Began Nearly a Decade Ago
Although the transfer happened this summer, the relationship between Tonali and De Zerbi actually dates back almost nine years.
When De Zerbi was managing Sassuolo, he reportedly wanted to sign the young midfielder.
The move never happened, but Tonali says a small connection remained between them ever since.
After reconnecting this summer, the midfielder already felt he understood the type of coach De Zerbi had become.
That familiarity made the decision even easier.
Instead of starting from scratch, both men entered negotiations with years of mutual respect already established.
Why Tonali Chose Tottenham So Quickly
Tonali admitted that Tottenham were not the only club interested in signing him.
He held discussions with other teams before making his final choice.
However, none of those conversations left the same impression.
According to the Italian international, the positive atmosphere during his first meeting with Tottenham immediately stood out.
As Tonali explained, when a conversation makes you genuinely happy within ten minutes, everything simply feels right.
Several factors convinced him that Spurs were the perfect destination:
- Roberto De Zerbi’s football philosophy.
- Tottenham’s recruitment project.
- The honesty shown during negotiations.
- The club’s long-term vision.
- The opportunity to start a completely new chapter.
For Tonali, the transfer was about much more than joining another Premier League club.
It represented a fresh beginning both professionally and personally.
Returning to Italy Was Never Realistic
Before choosing Tottenham, Tonali and his family seriously considered moving back to Italy.
However, financial reality made that impossible.
The midfielder explained that while Italian clubs may have been able to match his salary expectations, paying Newcastle’s massive transfer valuation proved unrealistic.
That situation left England as the most practical destination.
Tonali eventually narrowed his decision to just two clubs before quickly concluding that Tottenham offered everything he wanted.
Interestingly, he emphasized that London itself was only a small part of his decision.
Instead, football remained the biggest motivation.
His career ambitions, De Zerbi’s influence, and Tottenham’s sporting project ultimately outweighed every other consideration.
No Bad Feelings Toward Newcastle United
Despite leaving Newcastle after a relatively short spell, Tonali stressed that his departure should not be interpreted as dissatisfaction.
Instead, he spoke warmly about his former club, especially manager Eddie Howe.
The Italian praised Howe for the support he received during his time at St James’ Park and expressed his hope of maintaining a strong relationship with both the Newcastle boss and sporting director Ross Wilson.
Tonali also wanted Newcastle to receive the best possible deal during the transfer negotiations.
He acknowledged the incredible atmosphere at St James’ Park and thanked the supporters who welcomed him throughout his time on Tyneside.
Living With a £100 Million Price Tag
Becoming Tottenham’s record signing naturally brings enormous expectations.
A £100 million transfer fee guarantees constant media attention and pressure from supporters.
Yet Tonali insists he has no intention of changing who he is.
Away from football, he describes himself as an ordinary person who enjoys spending time with his family, grandparents, and lifelong friends whenever he returns to Italy.
For him, personal happiness begins at home.
If his family feels settled and happy, he believes his performances on the pitch will naturally follow.
A New Chapter Begins at Tottenham
Sandro Tonali’s move to Tottenham may be remembered as one of the defining transfers of the 2026 summer window.
While the record-breaking fee grabbed the headlines, the midfielder’s decision was surprisingly simple.
A ten-minute conversation, a trusted coach, shared memories of Brescia, and belief in Tottenham’s future were enough to convince one of Italy’s finest midfielders to make the switch.
Now, with Roberto De Zerbi leading an ambitious new project in North London, Spurs supporters will hope Tonali’s quick decision becomes the foundation for long-term success both in the Premier League and on the European stage.
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