Incoming Tottenham signing Sandro Tonali has explained his reasons for leaving Newcastle United for Spurs as he flies into London
Sandro Tonali has revealed Roberto De Zerbi as a key factor behind his move to Tottenham after being captured on his way to London from Milan by Sky Sports reporter Luca Bendoni. The midfielder’s first comments appear to be made as he walks towards an airport entrance with the 26-year-old later formally interviewed.
Translated to English, he initially said: “We decided to make a change, so we are ready for this new adventure.”
He added to Sky Sports Italy: “Absolutely, the feelings are positive, it was a bit long and let’s just say it was difficult. We sort of had an agreement with Newcastle and we parted on very good terms. We talked about it every day.
“They wanted the best for me and we wanted the best deal for them. So I think that once you go like this it is different, so we are all happy.”
In response to joining Tottenham over Man City, he said: “[Roberto] De Zerbi did a great job in all this. And for a life choice with my family because our life has changed with our child’s birth so we decided to change a bit and De Zerbi made a great difference, he did his job and he did it well.”
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Medical tests are set to take place today (Thursday, July 2) with Tonali to join Mateus Fernandes as a marquee signing for Spurs, with the latter’s move confirmed this morning.
Upon his arrival from West Ham United, Fernandes also spoke about the importance of De Zerbi in convincing him to seal a switch across the capital.
He said: “I’m very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club, and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join. When we spoke, it was very special.
“We look at football in the same way – going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can’t wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the club.”
De Zerbi also holds Fernandes in high regard with it clear he is building quite the midfield that now includes the Portugal Under-21 international and his fellow Italian Tonali.
On Fernandes, the Spurs boss said: “I’ve admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play.
“Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level.
“Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments. I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I’m excited to start working with him.”
With Fernandes and Tonali set to join Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka as new players for the 2026/27 campaign, Tottenham have already spent over £200m and are not done there.
Attacking signings now appear to be the priority, with Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi a target and former Arsenal star Folarin Balogun, who is expected to leave AS Monaco this summer, also of interest. Manchester City’s Savinho also remains on radar.
