‘Italy still has talent’ - Sandro Tonali’s agent responds to Tottenham’s record-breaking move and Chelsea’s Honest Ahanor deal

Giuseppe Riso has spoken about the major summer transfer deals involving two of his high-profile clients, Sandro Tonali and Honest Ahanor. The agent explained exactly why Italian midfielder Tonali felt he had to join Tottenham, while also hailing Chelsea’s big-money signing of a leading teenage defender.

Big summer transfers for the Italian pair

Agent Riso has shed light on two of the biggest moves involving Italian players this summer. Both Tonali and Ahanor completed major transfers. Tonali sealed a stunning €115 million move from Newcastle to Tottenham, becoming the most expensive Italian footballer ever. At the same time, highly rated 18-year-old defender Ahanor joined Chelsea from Atalanta in a €46m deal.

These high-value transfers mark an important shift for Italian talent moving to England. Riso believes the deals underline the clear quality that Serie A continues to produce.

Spurs made Tonali a leading target

Tottenham’s determination proved decisive in landing Tonali. The north London side presented a clear plan that persuaded the midfielder to leave St James’ Park for the capital. Speaking to Tuttosport, Riso said Tonali fully earned his record-breaking valuation.

"There are many years of work behind such an operation. I’m not the one who set the record: it’s Sandro who deserved it on the field," Riso said.

"At most, I made a few extra phone calls. Tottenham are a club that had a very clear idea of Sandro. When a company makes you understand that a player is a priority, everything becomes easier."

Premier League seen as football’s NBA

Riso also reflected on Ahanor’s swift rise after his €46m transfer to Stamford Bridge. Only a year ago, the versatile defender became the second-most expensive Italian Under-17 player when he moved from Genoa to Atalanta for €15m plus add-ons. The agent sees Ahanor’s latest move as further evidence that Italy continues to develop elite young talent.

"For Atalanta, it is undoubtedly a great operation," Riso said. "But if such a young boy reaches such an evaluation, it also means that even today in Italy we have talent and know how to cultivate it.

"The fact that they stay here [in Italy] is not central, especially if their destination is the Premier League, a league I have often described as the NBA of football and which, as such, can certainly contribute decisively to their growth. It is highly challenging and returns them stronger to our national team. The real challenge for Serie A is to create the conditions for these guys to grow up here, before having to sell them."

National team hopes and loan spells

Ahanor will not play for Chelsea straight away this season. Instead, the teenager will spend the current campaign on loan at Crystal Palace in order to gain valuable first-team experience in England.

The talented youngster is effectively set to link up with the Blues from the beginning of the 2027-28 season. For now, his immediate aim will be to impress at Selhurst Park and add to his one senior cap for Italy, which he won under caretaker coach Silvio Baldini in June this year.

Meanwhile, Tonali will aim to prove his huge price tag right in north London. The midfielder is expected to be a key part of Tottenham’s plans as they push for major honours this season.