Sandro Tonali has revealed that manager Roberto De Zerbi played a 'huge factor' in his decision to join Tottenham Hotspur instead of Manchester City. The Italian midfielder is on the verge of completing a club-record £100 million transfer from Newcastle United to Spurs.
Tonali cited De Zerbi's distinct football philosophy and his persuasive influence as primary reasons for his choice. The midfielder expressed a long-standing admiration for De Zerbi's work, stating that their recent conversations solidified his desire to play under the Italian manager.
"Roberto De Zerbi's vision for the team and his way of playing football really resonated with me," Tonali commented. "I've followed his career closely, and the opportunity to work with him directly was something I couldn't pass up."
Beyond the tactical allure, Tonali also highlighted significant personal factors that influenced his move. The impending birth of his child played a crucial role, with the midfielder seeking a location that would allow him to be closer to his family.
"Moving closer to my family was a very important consideration for me and my wife," Tonali explained. "Tottenham's location and the support system it offers made it the ideal choice for us at this stage of our lives."
Newcastle United is poised to make a substantial profit from the sale of Tonali. The Magpies initially signed him for £55 million in the summer of 2023, and the agreement with Tottenham is reportedly worth up to £100 million, representing a significant return on their investment.
Tonali is expected to command a lucrative salary at his new club, with reports suggesting he will earn over £275,000 per week at Tottenham. This move signals Tottenham's ambition in the transfer market as they continue to pursue other key signings.
The transfer saga underscores the growing influence of managerial preferences and personal circumstances in high-profile player decisions, even when competing offers from elite clubs like Manchester City are on the table.
