Sandro Tonali, who faces an uncertain future at St. James’ Park, would be the Swiss Army Knife of Tottenham Hotspur.
Sandro Tonali has told Roberto De Zerbi the two roles which suit him best ahead of a potential transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. The Newcastle United midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Lilywhites this summer as they look to avoid a third successive relegation battle.
According to Chronicle Live, the Magpies have recently turned their nose up at an £80million bid from Spurs for Tonali, whose contract at St. James’ Park expires in June 2028. The report claims Newcastle rejected the offer without hesitation, pointing to the Italy international’s £100m price tag.
It’s said that the Magpies are open to selling Tonali, but at the right price. Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal are also reportedly interested in signing the Italian, whose agent is exploring all options.
The arrival of Tonali would be a signal of intent that reflects the Lilywhites’ determination to not only avoid another battle for survival in the English top-flight but also to return to the Champions League. The 26-year-old would be tasked with leading Tottenham into battle, whether he’s dictating possession and breaking up play or creating chances and making late runs into the box.
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Fortunately for De Zerbi, Tonali would be just as effective as a six, guarding the backline as an eight, taking on a bit more responsibility in the final third. Speaking to Switched On Studios in December 2025, the Newcastle midfielder explained his view of the two roles.
“When you play No.6, the game is a bit different because you need to be the first defender, you need to be attacking, you need to help your defender, your attacker,” he said.
“You are in the middle, you need to do a lot of work, a lot of runs, and you can see everything in the pitch. This is the great thing. Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s difficult.
“If you play with No.10, you need to mark No.10, and this is a little bit tough because you play more defender than attacker. But with the ball, it’s different; you have time, you can watch your teammates. Sometimes I prefer to play No.6, sometimes I prefer No.8; it depends on the game.”
As it stands, Tonali would likely be tasked with the holding midfield role at Tottenham, progressing the ball with line-breaking passes and clever one-touch play to beat the press. The Newcastle ace may also find himself working in a double pivot, like he has done in the past with Bruno Guimaraes.
Interestingly, during an interview with Sky Sports back in December 2024, the Magpies captain detailed his relationship on the pitch with Tonali. Bruno said: “We are very complimentary. It’s a benefit for the team.
“We never keep our position; we always try and rotate our positions to not get marked, so I think the gaffer found a way to benefit the team with our position.
“Sometimes I’m the number eight, sometimes he’s the number six or sometimes I’m the number six. We both have the same style of play.”
If De Zerbi were to play Tonali in a double pivot, he would have a wealth of options at his disposal. With Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Archie Gray, and Conor Gallagher all capable of partnering him in the middle of the park – as well as Lucas Bergvall, if he stays in north London – the Tottenham boss may trial a midfield three or even a diamond.
