On 1/7, Tottenham agreed to spend 123 million USD to sign Tonali from Newcastle. The fee could rise by 10 million USD if the "Lilywhites" secure a Champions League spot.

This deal came less than one day after they reached an agreement to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for 113 million USD. Both transfers far exceed the club's previous record, set in 2024 with the 73 million USD purchase of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.

Tonali (center) playing in the Newcastle versus West Ham Premier League match on 17/5/2026. *AFP*

These two blockbuster signings are part of a larger plan to restore Tottenham to prominence after finishing 17th in the Premier League for two consecutive seasons.

According to The Guardian, coach Roberto De Zerbi has set a minimum target of competing for a Champions League spot. Previously, Tottenham spent 69 million USD to acquire center-back Jan Paul Van Hecke from Brighton and secured free transfers for goalkeeper Martin Dubravka from Burnley, left-back Andy Robertson from Liverpool, and center-back Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth.

Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023 for 73 million USD, shortly before receiving a 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations. Upon his return in 8/2024, the 26-year-old Italy midfielder reaffirmed his quality, helping the team secure qualification for the Champions League and the 2025 League Cup.

Tonali was also a target for Man City, Man Utd, and Arsenal. He is reportedly set to earn 365,000 USD per week at Tottenham, nearly double his salary at Newcastle.

Tonali is the second key player to depart Newcastle this summer, following Anthony Gordon's 92 million USD move to Barca. Bruno Guimaraes, the Brazil midfielder attracting interest from Arsenal, is likely to follow his former teammates after the 2026 World Cup.

Newcastle is offloading several key players to comply with Premier League financial regulations. Their commercial revenue falls below standard, necessitating player sales to offset deficits and fund new acquisitions.

Fernandes (center) playing in the Newcastle versus West Ham Premier League match on 17/5/2026. *AFP*

Fernandes joined West Ham from Southampton in 2025 for 53 million USD. Last season, the 21-year-old Portugal midfielder played 42 matches across all competitions, scoring 5 goals and providing 5 assists. He won the Premier League Young Player of the Season award but could not prevent West Ham's relegation.

Conversely, Tottenham sold center-back Luka Vuskovic to Brighton for 66 million USD. Vuskovic, 19, was on loan at Hamburg last season and never played for Tottenham. When he came on in Croatia's 2-4 group stage loss to England on 17/6, he became the youngest Croatian player to feature in a World Cup.

Thanh Quy (The Guardian)