Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to break their long-standing financial structure to secure Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, offering a groundbreaking contract that could see the Italian international earn an astonishing £275,000 a week.
This staggering wage represents a monumental shift in the Lilywhites’ approach as manager Roberto De Zerbi pursues elite reinforcements to anchor his squad overhaul.
A move to North London for Tonali would shatter Tottenham’s previous internal salary ceiling—historically capped at around £200,000, even for icons like Son Heung-min and Harry Kane—instantly making the 26-year-old the highest-paid player at the club.
Tottenham are looking to clear a key obstacle on the transfer front. While Spurs have already reached common ground on long-term personal terms with Tonali’s representatives at GR Sports, their opening formal bid of £75 million was swiftly rejected by Newcastle United.
The Magpies hold significant leverage, with the player under contract until June 2029 and are holding out for a premium valuation in the £100 million range before approving a sale.
De Zerbi is driving the pursuit with urgency, viewing Tonali’s rare blend of press resistance, ball-carrying, and tactical flexibility as the indispensable centrepiece to revitalise a stagnant midfield.
Domestic rivals Arsenal and Manchester City are monitoring the negotiations, and Tottenham know they cannot allow talks to drag into a prolonged summer saga.
With the player’s apparent willingness to link up with his compatriot in the capital, Spurs are preparing an improved offer and are cautiously optimistic that a compromise fee around £85 million could quickly seal a marquee signing.