Tottenham have completed the signing of Matheus Fernandes from West Ham, while impending arrival Sandro Tonali has credited head coach Roberto De Zerbi as the key influence behind his move from Newcastle United.
Fernandes joins Spurs in a deal reportedly worth £85million, though Spurs have not confirmed the length of his contract.
“I’m very excited for this next step,” the 21-year-old told the club’s official website. “Spurs is a massive club and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join.
“When we spoke, it was very special. We look at football in the same way – going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can’t wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the club.”
De Zerbi said of the Portuguese midfielder: “I’ve admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play.
“Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level. Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments. I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I’m excited to start working with him.”
Tonali: De Zerbi deserves all credit for Tottenham move
Fernandes will look to transform the Spurs midfield alongside Tonali, who is set to sign from Newcastle for a reported package totalling £100million.
Tonali had attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.
Despite Spurs’ lack of European footballl, Tonali elected to sign for Spurs and join a coach in De Zerbi, who was born in Brescia, the city that played host to Tonali’s rise to the professional ranks.
Before joining AC Milan, Tonali played three seasons for Brescia after coming through their academy.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia at Milan’s Linate Airport before flying to London for his medical, Tonali said of the transfer process: “It was a bit long. We had a sort of agreement with Newcastle, we spoke every day and we made it. They wanted the best for me, we wanted the best deal for them.
“We parted on excellent terms. We’re all happy and I’m ready for this new adventure.
“Why Tottenham? De Zerbi played a huge role in this, and it’s also a lifestyle and family choice after three years at Newcastle. De Zerbi deserves much of the credit. He did it not only as a Brescia native and a friend, but also as a hard worker. He’s committed to this.
“We’ll take it step by step. Medicals and signing, and then we’ll go on retreat. The team will be assembled in a month because the World Cup is here. The club is coming off a difficult season, but we’ll try to make sure everything goes well.”
Tonali has been consistently linked with a return to Milan since joining Newcastle and, asked about re-joining the Rossoneri at some point in his career, the 26-year-old did not close the door on that possibility.
“We joke about this every now and then,” Tonali added. “But if there is one day the opportunity we will speak about it seriously.”
