admin“Top of his list” Michael Edwards prepares to ruin Tottenham plans as Liverpool eye £103m midfield deal
Liverpool Plot £103m Transfer Hijack to Beat Tottenham to Newcastle Star Tonali
Liverpool are reportedly preparing to gatecrash Tottenham’s pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, with a stunning £103 million move being lined up as part of a major summer overhaul under new manager Andoni Iraola.
The Merseyside club are gearing up for a frantic transfer window after a disappointing 2025/26 season that saw them finish fifth in the Premier League and part ways with Arne Slot.
Last summer, FSG’s football chief Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes oversaw a lavish £400 million spending spree. Fans hoped marquee signings like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz would catapult Liverpool to domestic and European dominance, especially after Slot’s title-winning debut campaign.
However, the blockbuster arrivals failed to deliver. Isak struggled with persistent injuries, Wirtz looked lost for much of the season, and Mohamed Salah’s relationship with the former coach became strained.
Now, with Iraola bringing a fresh tactical vision, Edwards and Hughes are planning sweeping changes—and Tonali has emerged as a prime target.
The £103m Battle
Tottenham have been leading the chase for the 26-year-old Italian since the window opened, with new boss Roberto de Zerbi making him a top priority to strengthen a squad that narrowly avoided a relegation scrap.
But Newcastle’s hefty valuation has stalled Spurs’ progress—and Liverpool have now joined the race. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Reds are ready to challenge a host of Premier League rivals for Tonali’s signature.
The Italian outlet reports: “De Zerbi has been promised significant transfer backing by Spurs, with the midfielder—who won Serie A with AC Milan in 2022—at the top of his wishlist. But Newcastle are holding out for a major profit on the €65 million they paid three years ago, with an asking price of €100 million. Given interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United, that could easily rise to €120 million.”
Solving the Number Six Problem
Both Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister endured poor seasons, leaving Liverpool’s defence exposed and contributing to a leaky campaign. The lack of a reliable defensive midfielder has forced the club to prioritise a specialist in that role.
While Adam Wharton and Eduardo Camavinga remain concrete targets, landing Tonali would be a powerful statement—even at a premium £103.3 million. The Italy international was one of Newcastle’s few consistent performers last term and, at 26, offers a rare blend of elite defensive nous and Premier League experience.
For Hughes, Edwards, and Iraola, it’s a gamble that could pay off handsomely.
Newcastle’s Midfield Under Threat
The Magpies have already lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona this summer, and more exits could follow. Liverpool are rumoured to have opened talks with Bruno Guimarães’ representatives, leaving Newcastle fighting to keep their midfield spine intact.
Tottenham had a January bid for Tonali rejected, but with Arsenal and Manchester City also circling, the Italian looks increasingly likely to be the first of Newcastle’s star midfielders to head for the exit as the summer window heats up.
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