Tottenham Hotspur's £100m signing of Sandro Tonali has been labelled a major overpayment in a review of the Premier League's most expensive summer transfers. Daily Mail Sport published its verdict on the window's top ten deals this week, with Spurs featuring prominently after a record-breaking £3.49bn was spent across the league.
Spurs find themselves in a difficult position early in the season, sitting 20th in the Premier League with zero points from two games. Their recent form reads LL, having scored no goals and conceded five. They are already six points behind leaders Manchester City.
The analysis singles out the £100m move for Sandro Tonali from Newcastle as particularly problematic. The 26-year-old midfielder was a key part of a Newcastle side that had a very poor season last year. While manager Roberto De Zerbi reportedly wanted Tonali for his first full campaign in charge, and his style suits a system built on fast build-up play, the fee is seen as excessive pressure on a risky acquisition. This was highlighted when Tonali made a clearance error against Nottingham Forest, though Neco Williams' resulting goal was ruled out for handball.
Tottenham also brought in two other players featured in the top ten list. They paid £85m to Manchester City for winger Savio, who is also known as Savinho. The 22-year-old had scored only two league goals in the three years before his transfer, and City had originally signed him for under £60m. De Zerbi noted the player "sparkled off the bench on his debut against Championship side Charlton in the Carabao Cup" but added "he was only fit enough for the first hour of their goalless draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday."
The other £85m arrival was Portugal international Mateus Fernandes from West Ham. At 22, he is four years younger than Tonali. Spurs secured his signature despite strong interest from several major clubs, beating Manchester United to the deal. The review suggests Fernandes could be important in helping Tottenham reverse their poor start, though it acknowledges the team has plenty of time to improve.
The club's early league standing adds immediate context to these expensive arrivals. With a goal difference of -5, the need for the new signings to gel quickly is apparent. The review from Daily Mail Sport concludes that while Spurs haven't started well, there is significant time for a turnaround. The performance of these high-cost additions will be central to any recovery. Fans can monitor the team's progress in the standings as the season develops.
The focus now shifts to integrating these players ahead of the home match against 8th-placed Everton next weekend.
