Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a club-record deal worth up to £100 million.
The transfer, finalised last Wednesday and officially announced on Monday, sees Tottenham pay an initial £92.5 million, with a further £7.5 million in performance-related add-ons.
Tonali becomes the club’s most expensive signing, surpassing previous transfer records.
Speaking after completing the move, the Italy international expressed delight at joining the North London club.
“I am very happy to be here. When I arrived at the club today, it felt fantastic.
“People said there were four or five clubs interested, but for me there was only one,” he said.
The midfielder revealed that a lengthy discussion with Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi convinced him to make the move.
“I spoke to the head coach for close to two hours about the club, the fans, the stadium and our football.
“It was like magic because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham,” Tonali said.
He added that he was eager to experience the atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as a home player after previously facing the club as an opponent.
The signing follows Tottenham’s busy summer recruitment drive, having earlier secured the services of Mateus Fernandes for £85 million and Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52 million.
The club has also strengthened its squad with the arrivals of free agents Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.
De Zerbi welcomed the acquisition, describing Tonali as a player he had admired for many years.
“Sandro is a special player and a great signing for our club.
“I have followed him for a long time, as he came through the youth system at my hometown club, Brescia.
“There was significant interest in him this summer, but he made it clear he wanted to join Tottenham, and I believe our supporters will appreciate what he brings to the team,” the manager said.
In a farewell message posted on Instagram, Tonali thanked Newcastle supporters for their backing during his time at the club.
“Three years ago I came to Newcastle not really knowing what to expect.
“When things were hard for me, you were there. Not for one day did I feel alone.
“I felt it every time I was at St James’ Park. That is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” he wrote.
Tonali’s arrival takes Tottenham’s spending during the current transfer window to about £237 million as the club continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the new season.
