Tottenham are pursuing big-money moves for Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes as they look to overhaul their midfield this summer. Despite both players likely commanding club-record fees, Spurs are determined to secure deals for the pair.
Midfield Woes Prompt Ambitious Plan
Midfield was a huge area of concern for Spurs last season, as they struggled to control games. Manager Roberto De Zerbi has set out an ambitious plan to completely redress the balance in the centre of the park. Tonali and Fernandes are at the centre of these plans, and De Zerbi wants both players to feature in his starting line-up come the start of the new season in August.
De Zerbi was on a firefighting mission last season, tasked with keeping Spurs in the Premier League by any means necessary. Now, with their Premier League status intact, the Italian wants to establish a blueprint for his style of play, requiring midfielders comfortable receiving and playing the ball under pressure.
Why Fernandes Fits the Bill
Given De Zerbi's demands, it is easy to see why Spurs are so heavily linked to Fernandes. The West Ham midfielder is among the most press-resistant players in England and impressed even as West Ham were relegated to the Championship last season. Fernandes has now suffered relegations in successive seasons, with West Ham and Southampton, yet his quality on and off the ball has continued to shine.
Quick and incisive with his passing, Fernandes also battles hard out of possession. He ranked first for tackles won by some distance for West Ham last term—the 21-year-old completed 67 tackles while his nearest competitor, Kyle Walker-Peters, managed just 30. If Fernandes were to seal a sensational move to Spurs, he would likely compete for minutes alongside Rodrigo Bentancur, who impressed on his return from injury towards the end of last season.
How Tonali Would Fit In
Tonali would sit alongside either Fernandes or Bentancur in De Zerbi's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. There is also the potential that Spurs could move to a three-man defence with a midfield pivot. The Italian can play from deep, with a sweeping array of passes, but it is his ability to drive forward with and without the ball that will have stood out to De Zerbi.
Tonali's goal, the third in Newcastle's 3-1 win away to Southampton in January 2025, perhaps best sums up what he can offer Spurs. Storming in ahead of his marker to direct a header back towards Alexander Isak, Tonali continued his run, bursting past Isak before collecting Anthony Gordon's weighted pass and slotting home. Bursting the length of the Southampton half, Tonali started and finished the move that sealed a comfortable Newcastle win while displaying his energy, timing, and appreciation of space. It is that sort of initiative, both in and out of possession, that De Zerbi will want to see more of if Tonali switches the north-east of England for north London.
Transfer Progress and Competition
Spurs have reportedly been rebuffed by Newcastle in their attempts to sign Tonali, yet they are confident the player is keen to join the club. Fernandes, too, is said to be edging towards Spurs rather than Manchester United, with a more lucrative financial package reported to be on offer. It would represent a huge statement of intent were Spurs to swoop for both Tonali and Fernandes, and there is no denying they would be a far more fearsome proposition with the pair in the side.
Spurs' midfield rebuild is gathering pace, and it is putting other teams on watch ahead of next season.
