Sandro Tonali will wear the number six jersey at Tottenham | OneFootball

Sandro Tonali is set to complete a club-record £100 million transfer from Newcastle United to Tottenham Hotspur.

The midfielder is poised to play a central role in a major squad overhaul under manager Roberto De Zerbi and will take the number six shirt.

Tottenham’s move for Tonali signals clear intent, as the North Londoners have already spent more than £237 million in a swift summer overhaul aimed at leaving recent domestic struggles behind.

Tonali’s acquisition marks a significant coup for De Zerbi, who is said to have played a decisive role in persuading his compatriot to reject interest from Premier League champions Arsenal and Manchester City.

Tottenham have agreed to pay an initial £92.5 million, rising to £100 million, with Tonali signing a six-year contract worth £275,000 per week.

While Tonali wore the number eight at both San Siro and St James’ Park, the number six shirt holds particular tactical significance in modern football.

Traditionally, it is assigned to the midfield orchestrator—the deep-lying playmaker and heartbeat of the team.

Tonali, renowned for his energy, technical ability, and elegance in possession, fits the mould of a classic continental number six, although he can also be deployed in a box-to-box role.

In addition to Tonali, Spurs have already secured high-profile signings such as Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Andy Robertson.

Nonetheless, it is the arrival of the 26-year-old Italian that is regarded as the true catalyst for change at Tottenham.