After multiple near misses with relegation over the last couple of seasons, Tottenham Hotspur supporters were crying out for a vast improvement in the 2026/27 campaign.
Roberto De Zerbi was handed a pre-season to work with the senior squad in North London to build on his success in keeping the side in the Premier League last term.
The Italian was even handed over £400m worth of funds to improve the senior squad during the recent summer window and help him mount a charge for a European spot in 2026/27.
However, after five games this season and zero wins with the Lilywhites sitting bottom of the table, it’s safe to say the hierarchy massively overpaid for one of the recent additions.
Why Spurs massively overpaid to sign Tonali this summer
Before the summer window commenced in early June, many Spurs supporters were crying out for midfield additions to help bolster the heart of De Zerbi’s squad.
It’s safe to say the hierarchy answered such calls over recent months, with the board spending a reported £100m including add-ons to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.
The Italian’s experience in England’s top-flight was seen as a vital component for Spurs in their attempts to secure success in such a division during the years ahead.
He may only be five games into his career in North London, but it’s safe to say the midfielder has already failed to impress, which has seen criticism being directed his way.
|
How much do Tottenham’s midfielders earn? |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Player |
Weekly wage |
Contract expiry |
|
Sandro Tonali |
£200,000 |
June 30, 2032 |
|
Matheus Fernandes |
£200,000 |
June 30, 2031 |
|
James Maddison |
£170,000 |
June 30, 2028 |
|
Conor Gallagher |
£160,000 |
June 30, 2031 |
|
Rodrigo Bentancur |
£75,000 |
June 30, 2029 |
|
Archie Gray |
£75,000 |
June 30, 2030 |
|
Lucas Bergvall |
£60,000 |
June 30, 2031 |
The 26-year-old has started all five of the club’s league outings in 2026/27, but has only managed to win an average of 0.4 aerial duels per 90 – ranking him below 80% of players in the division this term.
Even in possession, Tonali has been extremely ineffective, subsequently losing possession 1.3 times per 90 – which has seen him lose the ball more than 84% of players in his position in 2026/27.
For a £100m player, you would expect the Italian to be the standout performer in every game he features in, but it’s safe to say all he’s proven to be so far is a huge waste of money.
Why it isn’t just Tonali who Spurs overpaid for
As part of the mega investment this summer, Spurs have seen a huge change in the senior squad, which has handed De Zerbi with the tools he needs to secure success.
However, the first few games this campaign have demonstrated that time will be needed for the new arrivals to settle into the manager’s plans and life in North London.
The likes of Omar Marmoush and Savio will likely play a huge role in the attacking third for many years to come, but the same can’t be said for any other member of the senior ranks.
Striker Dominic Solanke has been given endless opportunities to prove his worth over recent times, but there’s no denying he’s struggled to live up to his mega price tag.
The Englishman arrived in North London for a reported club-record £65m in the summer of 2024, but he’s only been able to find the net 23 times over the last two years.
He’s a player who De Zerbi clearly has very little faith in at present, as the 29-year-old has only started two of the Lilywhites’ five league games so far this campaign.
One of his latest starts did come against Aston Villa last weekend, but Solanke was only able to feature for 65 minutes and was replaced after failing to provide the goods in attacking areas.
Solanke could only register 26 touches of the ball during his lacklustre display, with such a tally fewer than that of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky – which showcases his lack of impact in North London.
He was asked to operate as a target man last Saturday, but could only win 50% of the total duels he entered during the defeat, with the opposition backline able to nullify the attacker.
His only goal within the last six months came in the Carabao Cup second-round clash with Championship side Charlton Athletic – further showcasing his struggles in the final third.
It’s evident that the Englishman is no longer at the level needed for success in the Premier League, with the club likely to lose a small fortune on their big-money investment.
As per Transfermarkt, his current value is now said to be way down at €28m (£24m), a significant fall from that £65m price tag. For context, Tonali is deemed to be worth around €80m (£69m).
Tonali is a player who will be given time to transform his early struggles in North London, but it’s safe to say Solanke won’t be given the same luxuries in the months ahead.