Alasdair Gold: Tottenham Closing In On Another Major Signing — Could This Be Their Next Tonali Masterstroke?
Tottenham Hotspur have invested heavily in their squad this summer, but their opening two Premier League games have shown that Roberto De Zerbi’s new-look side still has plenty to prove.
Despite spending big and assembling what looks like a significantly stronger squad on paper, Spurs have suffered back-to-back defeats. A 3-0 loss to Brentford was followed by a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Newcastle, leaving supporters wondering whether the club still needs another major addition before the transfer window closes.
Ironically, Newcastle have gone in the opposite direction. The Magpies have seen several key players leave this summer, including Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
Why Tonali could become Spurs’ signing of the summer
Tottenham paid around £100m to bring Tonali from Newcastle, making the Italian their record signing.
His beginning in a Spurs shirt, however, has been far from spectacular.
Tonali impressed during pre-season and scored against Chelsea, but his first two Premier League appearances have raised questions. Against Brentford, he struggled to impose himself as Mamadou Sangare dominated the midfield battle.
The Italian had another difficult outing against his former club Newcastle, with Football.London’s Alasdair Gold rating him just 4/10 and writing that he “never got going.”
But there is still plenty of reason for Tottenham fans to remain confident.
Tonali already has extensive Premier League experience and, at 26, is entering the prime years of his career. His leadership, energy, passing ability and tactical intelligence could eventually make him one of the most important players in De Zerbi’s team.
And if Tonali eventually proves to be Spurs’ signing of the summer, the club could now be preparing another deal with a very similar profile.
Tottenham could be ready for another major coup
Tottenham’s strategy this summer has been straightforward: bring in players who already understand the demands of English football.
Every new arrival has come from the Premier League, with the club prioritising players who can adapt quickly rather than taking risks on unfamiliar leagues.
That approach could now lead Spurs to Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye.
Cody Gakpo had reportedly been Tottenham’s preferred attacking target, but the Dutchman’s preference for Manchester City has forced Spurs to explore alternatives. Ndiaye has subsequently emerged as a serious option.
Reports suggest Tottenham and Everton have reached an agreement worth around £60m, although the final stages of the transfer still need to be completed.
According to Alasdair Gold, Tottenham and Everton remain in talks as Spurs attempt to push the deal over the line, with the club reportedly eager to complete the move and get Ndiaye through his medical.
Another Tonali-style transfer?
There are similarities between the two situations.
When Tottenham signed Tonali, they beat competition from clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United. Ndiaye is also attracting interest from major Premier League sides, with Arsenal and Liverpool among the clubs who have reportedly explored the possibility of signing him.
Winning that race would therefore represent another major statement from Spurs.
Ndiaye may have scored only six Premier League goals last season, but he has already demonstrated that he can operate at this level. At 26, he is also approaching what should be the prime period of his career.
His ability to carry the ball and beat defenders could give Tottenham an entirely different threat on the left side of their attack.
Last season, Ndiaye completed 70 dribbles in Europe’s top five leagues, placing him among the continent’s most effective ball carriers.
With Spurs having previously relied heavily on younger options such as Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel, adding a proven Premier League attacker could give De Zerbi another weapon.
If Tottenham can get the deal over the line, Ndiaye could become another statement signing — and potentially the club’s second-biggest coup of the summer behind Tonali.
Spurs may have already spent heavily, but they clearly aren’t finished yet.
