Tottenham's search for Sandro Tonali highlights the distance between the clubs
Tottenham is keeping an eye on Sandro Tonali, one of Newcastle's main players, highlighting the financial difference between the clubs. As Spurs look to bounce back after a difficult season, Newcastle also face challenges retaining their talent amid financial pressure from richer clubs.
During Aston Villa's end-of-season awards dinner, Damian Vidagany took to the stage and made an announcement that echoed across Tyneside: "There is no such thing as a big six anymore." That phrase, which received applause, reflects the growing competitiveness in the Premier League, where teams outside the traditional "top six" like Aston Villa and Newcastle United are challenging the status quo.
While Aston Villa excelled by qualifying for the Champions League in 2024 and 2026, Newcastle also did their part in 2023 and 2025. However, Tottenham's pursuit of midfielder Sandro Tonali, one of Newcastle's best players, reveals the harsh financial reality the club faces. After escaping relegation in the last round, Tottenham are trying to attract Tonali to London, highlighting the difference in income between the two teams.
Tottenham's latest financial figures show the club generated £230 million more in revenue than Newcastle in the 2024-25 season, allowing Spurs to offer Tonali a much higher wage and make a robust bid of around £80 million, all within football's financial rules. Although the offer was turned down, Newcastle are in a strong position to demand a higher fee if several teams decide to make offers.
If Tonali leaves, Newcastle will have lost three of their four best players within a year, following the sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool for £125m and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69m. Newcastle have improved their sales ability due to years of unbalanced negotiations, but this still seems far from the optimism that surrounded the club last season.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe highlighted the difficulty in attracting top-class players, saying: "It was very difficult to attract the players we wanted, who we felt could really make a difference to the team. I don't think that challenge is going to get any easier; on the contrary, it's going to be harder."
Despite signing promising goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen for £18.5 million, the club saw their main target, striker Victor Munoz, transfer to Liverpool. This situation reiterates the frustration of fans, who have witnessed players like Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike opt for richer clubs.
Newcastle cannot afford to see history repeat itself. With the anniversary of the Saudi-led takeover approaching, there are still no announcements regarding a new state-of-the-art training center, the location of which has already been identified. Furthermore, the stadium issue is crucial to filling the huge revenue gap compared to rivals. Newcastle, which in 2007 had a higher match day revenue than Tottenham, is now seeing that difference increase drastically.
For Newcastle to become a club that regularly competes for Champions League places, a new stadium will be needed. Otherwise, the club could be content with being a team fighting for a place in Europe's minor leagues, which is not what fans expect.
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