"Tottenham has the advantage of..." Alfredo Pedullà explains why Spurs edge the Sandro Tonali transfer
Alfredo Pedula* says Tottenham has advanced far on personal terms thanks to the big wage increase (double-digit fixed base vs. Newcastle’s prior deal), with the fee now breaking £100m.
De Zerbi’s pull and Tonali’s preference add context, but the financial edge is the standout “significant reason.”
At Newcastle, Tonali was on around £8 million per year (plus bonuses) following his contract renewal last October, which runs until June 2029.
At Tottenham, he is set to receive £12-13 million fixed per season plus significantly richer performance bonuses.
It’s not just the money. Roberto De Zerbi’s presence at Tottenham is a major pull factor. The Italian manager and Tonali share roots in the Brescia area, and reports suggest the player is keen to work under his compatriot.
De Zerbi has already identified Tonali as a priority target to help rebuild and strengthen Spurs’ midfield this summer. With the club having survived relegation last season under the Italian coach, this would represent a clear statement of intent and ambition.
What does Tonali bring to Spurs?
Tonali is a complete modern midfielder: technically excellent, tactically intelligent, strong defensively, and capable of progressing the ball. He would add quality, experience, and balance to a Spurs midfield that De Zerbi is looking to overhaul.
Pairing him with other incoming talents such as Mateus Fernandes could give Tottenham one of the strongest central midfield units in the Premier League.
Tottenham currently look best placed to get this one over the line. The combination of a significant financial upgrade for the player and the chance to play under Roberto De Zerbi has given Spurs a clear advantage.
This would be a statement signing. Expensive, yes, but one that shows real ambition under what is being called the new regime.
Who is Pedula?
*Alfredo Pedullà is a prominent Italian sports journalist, columnist, and TV personality, widely recognised as one of Italy’s leading experts on football transfers. He began his career young, commentating on basketball for local TV and hosting his own show at age 16. He became a professional sports journalist in 1987.
He worked at Corriere dello Sport - Stadio in Rome from 1989 to 2007. He has contributed to various radio, TV, and online platforms, often focusing on transfer news and analysis.
Pedullà is highly respected in Italian football circles for his reliable sources, frequent exclusives on Serie A clubs (e.g., Inter, Juventus, Milan, Napoli), and appearances in international podcasts. He is often cited by outlets covering Italian football transfers
Historically Tonali would be the ‘hype target’ for Spurs, and a 21 year old from the Spammers would be the actual one.
If the above is true, then things may have actually changed. Otherwise it’s the same old shit, watch that space…
There simply has to be a statement signing this summer at Spurs and this should be the one.
A world class central midfielder would always be my choice for that signing - admittedly the striker position is pressing too, but a standout midfield leader should dictate how you actually play to an even greater extent than a forward. The best midfielder in the side should indicate your style of play and identity, Kane was a bit extraordinary being an exception to that but there's no 'alternative Kane' on the market anyway.
So get it done!
After that if it's a decent winger (I'd go for Gakpo over Savinho for reliability) and a reliable but maybe not spectacular forward (where are the spectacular forwards on the market?) - I'll take that as a successful window.
After that sell a few, loan a few and put down the shutters and get ready for pre season. Let the others haggle and beg for crumbs for once!