Tottenham are showing no signs of slowing down in the transfer market after agreeing what is set to become 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 consist of an initial £92.5 million plus a further £7.5 million in performance-related add-ons.
The Italy international has also reportedly agreed personal terms on a long-term contract worth around £275,000 per week, underlining just how determined Roberto De Zerbi was to bring him to north London.
Tonali’s arrival is expected to complete a new-look midfield alongside Mateus Fernandes, whose £85 million switch from West Ham has also been agreed after Tottenham beat Man United to his signature.
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Add in the arrivals of Jan Paul van Hecke, Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, and it has already been a remarkable summer for Spurs.
Attention could now turn to another position too.
Tottenham ‘pushing’ to sign Man City keeper James Trafford
According to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, Tottenham are ‘pushing’ to sign Man City goalkeeper James Trafford as they continue reshaping their squad before the new season.
The England international, who is currently at the World Cup with Thomas Tuchel’s side, has long been regarded as one of the country’s brightest goalkeeping prospects.
After progressing through City’s academy, Trafford enhanced his reputation during loan spells before joining Burnley, where his shot-stopping, distribution and composure in possession continued to attract admirers.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Miguel Delaney is one of English football’s most established journalists and is particularly well connected among senior club executives and decision-makers. While he is often stronger on the wider direction of transfer negotiations than minute-by-minute updates, his exclusives are generally treated as credible and are frequently corroborated by other respected outlets. |
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Finances |
Financially, a move is realistic but far from cheap. Reports suggest City would demand £35-40 million, with some valuing Trafford closer to £45 million given his age and potential. After committing heavily to Sandro Tonali, Spurs would likely need to structure any deal through instalments and amortisation to manage their spending efficiently, but more money could also come in through player sales. |
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Insight |
Trafford progressed through City’s academy before gaining valuable senior experience on loan at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers. A standout spell at Burnley enhanced his reputation, while his heroics helped England win the 2023 UEFA Under-21 European Championship without conceding a goal, later earning a return to City. |
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Impact |
If Trafford joined Tottenham, he would provide genuine competition for Antonín Kinský rather than arriving as an automatic first choice. Both are young goalkeepers with excellent distribution and high potential, creating healthy competition that could push standards higher and give De Zerbi a healthy headache between the sticks. |
He has also become a regular for England’s Under-21 side, helping them achieve major success at youth level while earning praise for his maturity and leadership despite his young age.
Tottenham will move for £128m World Cup duo after they sign Sandro Tonali
Spurs are showing ‘great ambition’.
Although Trafford spent last term languishing behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in City’s pecking order, his potential is sky-high.
How James Trafford could be an ideal goalkeeper signing for Spurs
Tottenham’s interest comes during a period of uncertainty surrounding Guglielmo Vicario, who has been heavily linked with a move away this summer.
Should the Italian depart, Trafford would arrive with the potential to challenge immediately for the number one shirt with Antonin Kinsky.
However, Spurs have also recently brought in experienced goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, giving De Zerbi another dependable option between the posts.
That raises an interesting question over Trafford’s immediate role.
While Dubravka offers reliability and Premier League experience, Trafford possesses the higher long-term ceiling.
At just 23, he has already demonstrated the confidence to play out from the back, an attribute that fits naturally with De Zerbi’s possession-based philosophy.
Signing the ‘fantastic‘ Trafford would therefore not simply be about replacing Vicario.
Instead, it would represent another investment in the club’s future while ensuring Tottenham remain well-equipped in one of the most important positions on the pitch.
If Vicario leaves, Trafford looks an outstanding candidate to become Spurs’ long-term first-choice goalkeeper.
How Tottenham beat Real Madrid to Mateus Fernandes deal as West Ham accept £85m bid
Man United weren’t the only rival contenders for him.