Tottenham are now ‘pushing’ to sign England World Cup player Sandro Tonali
Tottenham are showing no signs of slowing down in the transfer market after agreeing to what would be the biggest signing in the club’s history.
Spurs have now reached an agreement with Newcastle over a deal worth up to £100 million for Sandro Tonali, with the package understood to include £92.5 million and a further £7.5 million in performance-related add-ons.
The Italian has reportedly agreed personal terms on a long-term deal worth £275,000-a-week, underlining how keen Roberto De Zerbi was to bring him to north London.
Tonali’s arrival is expected to complete a new platform alongside Mateus Fernandes, who was also agreed in his £85 million switch from West Ham after Tottenham beat Man United to his signature.
You scored a goal
out of 20
Add in the arrivals of Jan Paul van Hecke, Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, and it’s been a fantastic summer for Spurs.
Attention can now turn to another position.
Tottenham are ‘pushing’ to sign Man City goalkeeper James Trafford
According to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, Tottenham are ‘pushing’ to sign Man City goalkeeper James Trafford as they continue to rebuild their squad ahead of the new season.
This England player, who is currently in the World Cup with Thomas Tuchel’s team, has long been regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the country.
After moving to City’s academy, Trafford raised his profile during a loan spell before joining Burnley, where his shooting, distribution and composure continued to attract fans.
|
Football FanCast verdict |
|
|---|---|
|
Honesty |
Miguel Delaney is one of the most well-known journalists in English football and is well-connected among senior club managers and decision-makers. Although he tends to be stronger on the broader side of transfer negotiations than minute-by-minute updates, his specialty is generally considered reliable and is often endorsed by other reputable outlets. |
|
Finance |
Financially, the move is realistic but not cheap. Reports suggest that City will want £35-40 million, while others value Trafford closer to £45 million given his age and ability. After making a major commitment to Sandro Tonali, Spurs may need to structure any contract with installments and fees to manage their spending efficiently, but additional cash could come in through player sales. |
|
Understanding |
Trafford progressed through City’s academy before gaining valuable experience on loan at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers. A spell at Burnley boosted his reputation, and his heroics helped England win the 2023 UEFA Under-21 European Championship without conceding a goal, and he later earned a return to City. |
|
Impact |
If Trafford joins Tottenham, he will provide real competition for Antonín Kinský rather than arriving as an automatic first choice. Both are young goalkeepers who distribute very well and are highly skilled, creating a healthy competition that could raise the bar and give De Zerbi a healthy head between the sticks. |
He was also a regular in the England Under-21 team, helping them achieve great success at youth level while being recognized for his maturity and leadership despite his young age.
Tottenham to make £128m move for two World Cup players after signing Sandro Tonali
Spurs show ‘great desire’.
Although Trafford spent last season struggling behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in the City system, his potential is high.
How James Trafford could be the perfect goalkeeper to sign for Spurs
Tottenham’s interest comes at a time of uncertainty surrounding Guglielmo Vicario, who has been heavily linked with a move away this summer.
Should the Italian leave, Trafford will have the opportunity to immediately challenge for the first shirt with Antonin Kinsky.
However, Spurs have recently brought in experienced goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, giving De Zerbi another reliable option between the posts.
That raises an interesting question about Trafford’s immediate role.
While Dubravka offers credibility and Premier League experience, Trafford has a higher long-term ceiling.
At just 23 years of age, he has shown confidence playing at the back, a trait that fits naturally with De Zerbi’s possession-based philosophy.
A ‘good’ Trafford signing won’t just be a replacement for Vicario.
Instead, it will represent another investment in the future of the club while ensuring that Tottenham remain well-equipped in one of the most important positions on the pitch.
If Vicario leaves, Trafford looks set to become Spurs’ first-choice goalkeeper in the long term.
How Tottenham beat Real Madrid to Mateus Fernandes deal as West Ham accept £85m bid
Man United were not his only rivals.
