- Tottenham Hotspur make Sandro Tonali a transfer priority
- What can Spurs expect from Newcastle United midfielder?
- Eddie Howe comments on ability and mentality
Tottenham Hotspur have made Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali a ‘top target’ this summer, and Eddie Howe had already told the Premier League rivals what to expect from the Italy international.
The 26-year-old will not be an unknown for Spurs fans, having made 79 appearances in the Premier League since arriving on Tyneside from AC Milan in 2023.
Tonali had been linked with a move to Champions League sides Arsenal and Manchester United ahead of the 2026/27 but it is Roberto De Zerbi’s side who have emerged as somewhat unexpected frontrunners.
Sky Sports report that Spurs have made improving the technical ability of the squad a priority after a dismal campaign last time out, and Tonali is seen as the ideal candidate for that.
Sandro Tonali compared with Italy legend Andrea Pirlo
With the player contracted until 2029, and Newcastle holding the option for another year, it’s going to take a stratospheric bid for the London outfit to achieve their dream transfer. A £100 million fee has been touted.
For that money, Tottenham would be getting a seasoned Premier League professional at the peak of his powers. Spurs need look no further than what Howe has already said about the type of player Tonali is.
Tonali has been compared to footballing legend Andrea Pirlo, ever since breaking into the Brescia first team in 2017. Pirlo started at the same club 20 years earlier.
Howe sees the similarity. In December 2024, he said: “When I first saw Sandro play, there were definite links to Pirlo, without a doubt – and it’s not just the hair. There’s more to it than that.
“He’s definitely got those similar qualities in terms of build and style, but I think the thing that sets Sandro apart from anyone else was he could do all of those things technically and tactically, and looked really good, but it’s his athleticism as well, his ability to run.
“We’ve seen that in recent games from a defensive viewpoint now more than an attacking viewpoint, where he’s sprinting to put out fires for us, nicking balls, intercepting balls, using his athleticism to track runners. He’s been excellent in that respect and think that’s really helped the team.”
Eddie Howe loves Newcastle United star’s athleticism
Tonali is a player who brings so much to the Newcastle side both defensively and offensively. The midfielder is regularly seen operating just in front of the back four but can equally create and score goals – chipping in with 20 goal contributions since arriving at St James’ Park.
As good as Tonali is on the ball – which is what Spurs are desperate for – it’s the player’s athleticism that is so often complimented by Howe.
When players adjust to the Premier League from the continent, the pace of the division can often prove a mountain to climb. That has never been the case for Tonali, who scored on his Magpies debut against Aston Villa.
After the midfielder put in an inspired performance during a 2-1 win over Brentford in April 2025, the Newcastle manager said: “I think you’re always getting ‘well done’ and they’re not necessarily outstanding moments but when you add them together, it just turns into a very forceable performance from midfield.
“He’s very good athletically and he helped a number of times in putting out fires on transitions. It was a very good individual performance.”
Tonali has mentality to drive Tottenham Hotspur comeback
Tonali has also proved that he has the mentality that Spurs will need to turn the tide next season. The Magpies man has had to bounce back from his own trials and tribulations following an FA ban for breaching betting regulations.
The Italian spent 10 months away from the pitch as a punishment and, after that time, Howe admitted that he ‘still loved’ the player. The Newcastle manager went as far as saying that Tonali would return from the ban even stronger mentally than before.
He said: “He’s a very strong guy, he’s handled this situation so well. He’s shown real strength, dignity, integrity. Because he’s been isolated at times it hasn’t always been easy for him. He’s had some low moments and some lonely moments where the team has been playing.
“I think we’ll get a different player back, a stronger player mentally, someone who will enjoy his football and probably appreciate every moment because it has been taken away from him for a long period of time.
“Sandro’s not outwardly expressive. He’ll be calm, cool and collected tomorrow but I’m sure that, inside, he can’t wait to wear that shirt again. Playing again will be a tremendous release for him.”
In other news, Newcastle United must sign ‘incredible’ £20m World Cup star who outshone Alexander Isak.
