Sandro Tonali has turned down Manchester City to join Tottenham Hotspur, a decision that will cost Spurs somewhere north of £100 million and signal that the club’s rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi is being taken seriously by the players themselves.
Tonali, contracted at Newcastle United until 2029, has reportedly agreed personal terms with Tottenham following negotiations that began in mid-to-late June 2026. Newcastle had already dismissed earlier approaches in the region of £80 million, and the two clubs are now working through a fee that sits somewhere between £85 million and £116 million.
Why Tonali chose Spurs over City
Manchester City entered the race for Tonali’s signature in June 2026. Tonali said no anyway.
The reported pull toward Tottenham is De Zerbi, the head coach who built his reputation on a style of play that demands technical midfielders operate with both intelligence and freedom.
