Sandro Tonali has become the most expensive Italian footballer in history after completing his €115 million transfer from Newcastle United to Tottenham Hotspur. Agent Giuseppe Riso has now revealed the factors that drove the midfielder's decision to join the north London club, while also commenting on fellow client Honest Ahanor's €46 million move to Chelsea from Atalanta.
Tonali's Record-Breaking Move to Tottenham
Riso emphasized that Tonali's exceptional price tag reflects years of consistent performances rather than inflated market speculation. "There are many years of work behind such an operation. I'm not the one who set the record: it's Sandro who deserved it on the field," Riso told Tuttosport. The agent credited Tottenham's clarity of purpose as decisive in the negotiation, noting that the club's strategic vision and commitment to making Tonali a priority simplified the entire process.
The midfielder's transfer represents a significant statement of intent from Tottenham as they pursue major trophies. Tonali will now compete in the Premier League after three seasons at Newcastle, where he reestablished himself as one of Europe's most dynamic midfielders following his return from a betting suspension in 2023.
Italian Talent in English Football
Riso used the opportunity to defend Serie A's continued production of elite talent. The simultaneous transfers of Tonali and 18-year-old defender Ahanor to the Premier League illustrate a trend of top Italian prospects seeking development in England's most competitive league. "If such a young boy reaches such an evaluation, it also means that even today in Italy we have talent and know how to cultivate it," Riso stated.
Ahanor's journey exemplifies this pathway: the versatile defender cost Atalanta €15 million from Genoa just one year ago, making him the second-most expensive Italian Under-17 player. His rapid elevation to a €46 million valuation demonstrates the accelerated development possible within Serie A's elite clubs. However, Ahanor will spend the 2024-25 season on loan at Crystal Palace to gain Premier League experience before joining Chelsea permanently in 2027-28.
Riso acknowledged that retaining homegrown talent presents a fundamental challenge for Italian football. The agent argues that Serie A must strengthen its infrastructure to develop young players at home, preventing the exodus to wealthier European leagues. With Tonali now tasked with justifying his unprecedented price tag at Tottenham, both transfers will be closely monitored as indicators of Italian football's competitive standing in world football.
