Shields Gazette

Sandro Tonali faces Newcastle United for the first time since joining Tottenham Hotspur for £100million.

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Robert De Zerbi has confirmed Sandro Tonali will start against Newcastle United on Saturday evening.

The Italian midfielder started Spurs’ 3-0 Premier League opening day defeat at Brentford last weekend but was left out of the squad for their 5-1 Carabao Cup second round win over Charlton Athletic on Wednesday night.

In his post-match press conference, De Zerbi confirmed that Tonali is not injured and was instead working on his “physical condition” in preparation to start against his former club.

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Sandro Tonali will start against Newcastle United

"Sandro was in a plan to work with Marco Senesi yesterday, very strong, to improve their physical condition,” De Zerbi said. “Sandro has to work to feel better in terms of physical condition, but Saturday he will play in the first XI, without problems."

Tonali faces the Magpies for the first time since completing his £100million move to Spurs, and is expected to get a mixed reception from the travelling supporters.

Many were left disappointed at the 26-year-old’s decision to jump ship after supporting him through his 10-month betting ban, which he received just a few months after joining from AC Milan for £55million.

Tonali resumed playing at the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign and helped the club to end their 56-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup, as well as qualify for the Champions League, before leaving following last season’s 12th-place finish in the Premier League.

His agent, Giuseppe Riso, had publicly been drumming up interest in Tonali since January and despite name-checking the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, he joined Spurs, who have finished 17th in back-to-back Premier League seasons.

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Ahead of facing Newcastle, Tonali told Sky Sports: “A mix of emotions. I love the people there. With me, they were amazing. Every single day, from the first season.

“I think we were a little bit more nervous and tense, but I love all the people there. The crowd there, the stadium there, I think it's one of the most beautiful in England. My time there was amazing.

“When I signed for Newcastle, after eight games I was banned. They showed me love like my mum and my dad. I said to my agent that I wanted the best deal for them because they deserve everything.”

A long-term Newcastle United transfer target is attracting more Premier League interest this summer.

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Premier League clubs are monitoring a defender Newcastle United were previously claimed to be in pole position to sign.

Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini was identified by Newcastle as a potential transfer target last summer, but a deal never came to fruition. Back then, the Magpies had reservations over the Italy international’s pace and injury record, having played just eight matches during the 2024/25 campaign.

The 22-year-old’s injury troubles continued into the following campaign before he was able to get back to fitness and register 30 appearances in all competitions. After seemingly putting his injury troubles behind him, other Premier League clubs have now entered the conversation for Scalvini.

While sources in Italy have described Newcastle as being ‘at the forefront’ to sign Scalvini this summer, the Gazette understands that the club will likely stay clear of the defender once again. According to The Sun Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in the young defender, who has been valued at around £42million.

Atalanta have already done business with Chelsea already this summer with the £43million transfer of Marco Palestra and contact has reportedly been made regarding Scalvni. Tutto Atalanta claim the Serie A club will have to agree another major sale this summer after Ederson’s proposed move to Manchester United fell through.

As such, suggestions of a potential exit for Scalvini this summer have gathered momentum.

While sources close to Newcastle have played down a move for the player, the club could look to bolster their defensive options this summer following the departures of Jamaal Lascelles, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett so far this year without any external replacements brought in.

Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are both 34 and into the final years of their contracts at the club, while there are well-documented concerns over Sven Botman’s injury record. Malick Thiaw is the club’s only other established centre-back option, while options at full-back are also limited.

It’s less than a month until the transfer window closes for Newcastle and so far the club has signed two goalkeepers in Ewen Jaouen and Lukas Hornicek in addition to midfielders Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba and winger Bazoumana Toure.

Sandro Tonali made no secret of his desire to leave Newcastle United due to location.

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Sandro Tonali has sensationally admitted that he preferred to return to Italy than join Tottenham Hotspur.

Newcastle United supporters were stunned when the Italian - who spent 10 months of his St James’ Park career sidelined with a gambling ban - joined Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs finished 17th in the previous two campaigns but it soon became clear that he wanted to live in London.

Tonali ditched Newcastle and headed to Tottenham for £100million last month. He has now risked the ire of Spurs fans by suggesting his first choice was a return to Italy.

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‘We had decided’ - Sandro Tonali

“When you speak with a team, the first impression is a big thing and my impression was very positive,” Tonali said. “When you are happy after a 10-minute chat, it’s everything, everything is perfect.

“We had decided to come back to Italy but it was impossible for the money. England was our solution and we found the best solution in England… I understood after 10, 15 minutes that Tottenham would be my next team.”

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Sandro Tonali makes bold claim

Tonali also claimed that he tried his best to ensure Newcastle received a good end of the deal. He added: “I met there some of the best people for football. They love football. They live for football.

“When I decided to move, I said to my agent and to Ross Wilson that I wanted the best deal for Newcastle because they deserve everything. This is football. Sometimes you have to understand how everything can change in your life in five minutes."

Your next Newcastle United read: 5 priorities for new Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle

Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United have expressed interest in Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall.

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Nottingham Forest are reportedly leading the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall.

Newcastle United expressed interest last week and made a verbal offer worth around £46million. This was dismissed - with Spurs holding out for £50million despite paying £8million two years ago.

It is understood that Bergvall wants to leave to pursue regular first-team football. He started just 11 Premier League games last season - failing to complete a full 90 minutes despite Spurs’ struggles.

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Nottingham Forest nudge ahead

Forest are thought to be ahead of Newcastle, with the player recognising his increased game-time opportunities at the City Ground. The Tricky Trees have funds available after selling former Toon midfielder £116million to Manchester City.

Newcastle’s interest in Bergvall predates his time at Tottenham. However, it is unclear whether they will return with a concrete bid due to his price tag.

As reported by The Gazette, the Magpies are closing in on Monaco star Aladji Bamba. While not the same profile as Bergvall, he arrives alongside Sean Steur, negating the need to bolster the engine room.

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Newcastle United’s fresh priority

Elsewhere, the Magpies have also prioritised a full-back who can operate on both sides. After losing Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento remain the only first-team options.

Full-back is an area Newcastle have identified since the winter window. They have targets - but the transfer cards are being kept close to their chest at St James’ Park.

The internal feeling is that, when a target is leaked publicly and the saga drags on, the chances of finalising the deal diminish. Newcastle can sense when they are being played - Victor Munoz and Johan Manzambi were examples of that.

Patience is being urged as Toon officials work tirelessly to give Eddie Howe the tools for a successful season. Fans can watch the Magpies for the first time in pre-season when they face Gateshead this weekend.

The latest transfer talk from Newcastle United as the Magpies are linked with a move for a Tottenham Hotspur midfielder.

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Newcastle United’s efforts to replace Sandro Tonali have reportedly been delivered a blow after a Premier League rivals was named as the front-runner for one Magpies transfer target.

It has been a frustrating summer for the Magpies and they have a lot of work to do as they look to boost Eddie Howe’s squad in a bid to move on from a desperately disappointing season. As it stands, deals for Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, Ajax midfielder Sean Steur and Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure have been completed - but another goalkeeper, a full-back, a winger and at least one more midfielder are believed to be on the list of priorities for the final seven weeks of the transfer window.

The departure of Tonali to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur swelled the Magpies coffers by around £92.5m and that figure could reach £100m if all add-ons within the initial agreement are triggered. However, the sale of the Italy international, and questions over the future of captain Bruno Guimaraes, mean there is a need to strengthen the midfield ranks. Newcastle have reportedly been offered a chance to sign Spurs star Lucas Bergvall in recent weeks - but former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has claimed the appointment of Oliver Glasner means the Sweden international is more likely to move to Nottingham Forest over the coming weeks.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness said: "I actually see Forest coming out on top on this one. I think the manager at Forest will be the factor that will convince him to go there. Look, both clubs have got war chests in terms of the sales that they've done. Both clubs need to improve in those positions. But I've just got a feeling that Forest are going to be the ones that come out on top. I don't think there'll be any difference between the two of them. It'll be up to the player to decide. And from what I'm hearing, I think he's going to choose Forest."

It is no secret that Newcastle United are in the market for a full-back after losing Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett.

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Newcastle United are reportedly keen on England surprise package Djed Spence this summer.

Eyebrows were raised when Thomas Tuchel named the Tottenham Hotspur full-back in his 26-man squad for the World Cup. However, Spence stepped up in both full-back positions and was one of England’s better performers at the tournament.

He only made his international debut last September - one month after penning a contract extension at Spurs. Despite Spence’s new-found status as a national cult hero, Tottenham are thought to be open to offers.

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Newcastle United double swoop?

Roberto De Zerbi has spent £250million on new arrivals as he aims to transform a side that finished 17th in consecutive Premier League seasons. Sandro Tonali - at £100million - has been the standout summer signing.

However, there is an acceptance that players must also be sold to offset the heavy investment. Newcastle and Nottingham Forest are both interested in Swedish youngster Lucas Bergvall.

An opening offer worth £46million was turned down last week, with the player keen to pursue first-team football elsewhere. TeamTalk also claim the Magpies are considering an approach for Spence.

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Newcastle United stance and Inter Milan link

It is understood that Newcastle remain in the market for a full-back after losing Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have little competition for a first-team spot next season.

Spurs could demand a high fee for Spence given his England heroics and recent contract extension. Whether the Magpies stump up a considerable sum for someone who will challenge for a starting berth remains to be seen.

Inter Milan have also been linked with a possible swoop after losing Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid. Italian outlets report that Spence would be keen on a move to the San Siro.

Tottenham Hotspur have rejected a bid from Newcastle United for wantaway midfielder Lucas Bergvall.

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Newcastle United have reportedly seen a £46million bid rejected for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall.

Signed in 2024 for just £8.5million, the 20-year-old is regarded as a top European prospect. Bergvall has shown flashes of quality at Spurs despite finishing 17th in his two chaotic seasons.

Nottingham Forest had a slightly lower offer turned down earlier this week but Tottenham would consider an improved bid. Spurs have already forked out around £250million on new arrivals this summer and remain active in the market.

Roberto De Zerbi has been given licence to rebuild a failing team - with Sandro Tonali the standout buy after leaving Newcastle for £100million earlier this month. Tottenham also forked out £85million on Matheus Fernandes and £60million to sign Jan Paul van Hecke.

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Lucas Bergvall bid rejected

It is understood that Bergvall wants to leave to pursue regular first-team football. He started just 11 Premier League games last season - failing to complete a full 90 minutes despite Spurs’ struggles.

The Magpies face stiff competition from Forest, who have funds available after selling Elliot Anderson to Manchester City. Toon chiefs will feel as though they have the upper hand in negotiations due to recent Champions League campaigns and Carabao Cup success.

The Athletic report that an opening bid was snubbed that would have seen Tottenham quintuple their initial outlay on the midfielder. On a positive note, there is confidence that a deal can be struck as Newcastle to prioritise youth invstment.

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Lucas Bergvall price tag

However, Newcastle will not be happy that their interest has been made public. This was the case with Victor Munoz and Johan Manzambi - two top targets who were hijacked at the final hurdle by Premier League rivals.

As mentioned, Bergvall wants to leave and Tottenham are open to a potential sale. Spurs value the Sweden international at £50million - half the fee that they paid to prise Tonali from St James’ Park.

Three of Newcastle United’s early 2026/27 Premier League fixtures have been selected for live television coverage.

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Sky Sports have jumped on the back of Sandro Tonali’s club record £100million transfer to Tottenham Hotspur by selecting Newcastle United’s match for live television coverage.

Newcastle’s first away trip ot the 2026/27 campaign will see them visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium where Tonali is set to make his home debut for his new club. The match will take place on Saturday, August 29 with the kick-off time moved to 5:30pm BST.

Newcastle’s home match against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, September 5 has also had its kick-off time moved to 12:30pm BST after being selected for live coverage on TNT Sports.

The match against Leeds United at Elland Road has been moved to Monday, September 14 (8pm BST kick-off) to be shown live on Sky Sports. A club statement noted that should Leeds or Newcastle progress through to the third round of the Carabao Cup and be drawn against a side participating in the Champions League, the match will revert to Saturday, September 12 with a 12:30pm BST kick-off.

Sandro Tonali has left Newcastle United and joined Tottenham Hotspur for £100million.

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Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has completed his £100million transfer to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs will pay £92.5million up front, with £7.5million in achievable add-ons. It is the second most expensive sale in Newcastle’s history after Alexander Isak’s £130million British record move to Liverpool last summer.

The Magpies have doubled their money on Tonali after signing him from Italian giants AC Milan for £55million in the summer of 2023.

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The 26-year-old was hit with a 10-month betting ban just months after the transfer before returning at the beginning of the 2024-25 season to help United win the Carabao Cup and qualify for the Champions League.

Newcastle United confirm £100million Sandro Tonali sale

Tonali went on to make 110 appearances in total. His sale enables Newcastle to strengthen multiple positions as Eddie Howe rebuilds his squad following last season’s disappointing 12th finish in the Premier League.

“Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has completed a permanent transfer to Tottenham Hotspur,” a Newcastle statement read. “The undisclosed transfer fee represents the second largest fee ever received for a player in Newcastle United’s history.

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“Sandro departs St. James’ Park having made 110 appearances for the club, scoring ten goals in all competitions. The 26-year-old, who joined from AC Milan in summer 2023, leaves having also won major silverware on Tyneside. He played an influential role as the club lifted the Carabao Cup in March 2025, and he featured a further 53 times last season, including 11 appearances in the UEFA Champions League.

“Everybody at Newcastle United thanks Sandro for his contribution to the club and wishes him and his family well for the future.”

Sandro Tonali reacts to joining Tottenham Hotspur

On making the move to Spurs, Tonali said: "I'm very happy to be here. When I arrived at the Club today, it felt fantastic. People said about there being four or five clubs - there was only one.

"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. I've played against Tottenham a few times and always found a great atmosphere made by great fans. I can't wait to start the season."

Meanwhile, manager Robert de Zerbi added: "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, and I'm so happy to be working with him now. Given his qualities, there was a lot of interest in Sandro this summer. However, he was very clear in his desire to join Tottenham, and I know our fans will love what he brings to the team."

Newcastle United eye Sandro Tonali replacement

Newcastle have already strengthened one key position after announcing the £43million arrival of Bazoumma Toure from Hoffenheim on Sunday night.

Toure replaced Anthony Gordon on the left-wing following the England international’s £69million move to Barcelona. Howe will now look to bolster his midfield amid Tonali’s exit.

The Magpies have held talks over signing Johan Manzambi from Freiberg but are expected to face competition from several clubs with the 20-year-old catching the eye at the World Cup with three goals and two assists in four matches.

Sandro Tonali made no secret of his desire to leave Newcastle United to live in London.

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John Barnes recognises that Sandro Tonali did not leave Newcastle United to better his football career.

The Magpies agreed to sell Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur for a staggering £100million. Few Toon fans were surprised, with the Italian’s agent angling for a move throughout last season.

However, there was an element of bemusement towards Tonali picking Spurs after finishing 17th for two consecutive seasons. The Gazette consistently reported that the 26-year-old and his family desired a move to London - which he confirmed to Italian media on Thursday.

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‘Nothing to do with football’ - John Barnes

Former Newcastle star Barnes noted how Tonali’s exit had “nothing to do” with improving his football career. This is a brutal reality that supporters may need to accept with certain players.

"Except for Liverpool and Manchester United, it’s always been the same,” Barnes said. “For years and years and years, players playing anywhere north of Birmingham want to move to London.

"As much as Newcastle United are doing better than Tottenham, there are foreign players who would rather live in London.

“Foreign players don’t have an allegiance to anywhere in England, even though a move to Liverpool or Manchester United is a bit different, so if a club from London comes calling, then they’re going to go. When people wonder why this move could happen, it’s nothing to do with football.”

Sandro Tonali confirms London truth

On why he left Newcastle, Tonali - who will also pocket £275,000 per week - told reporters: "We decided to make a change, so we are ready for this new adventure. Newcastle wanted the best for me, and I wanted the best deal for Newcastle. So we are all happy, and I am ready for this new challenge.

"Let's say that Roberto De Zerbi did a great job and had a big impact in all this. It is a life choice for my family, because we come from three years at Newcastle, and our lives change with our child's birth. So we decided to change a bit. De Zerbi made a great difference. He did his job, and he did it very well."