Sandro Tonali’s imminent exit from Newcastle United has sparked debate, with claims emerging that his decision to join Tottenham Hotspur may not be entirely football-related.In the space of just a few days, Tottenham Hotspur pulled off what many considered unthinkable, splashing out on two midfielders. A total of £185 million has been spent to lure both Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali to north London. Fernandes cost Spurs a record £85 million, but that figure was quickly surpassed when Tottenham agreed a £100 million deal with Newcastle for Tonali.The deal is yet to be officially announced, but Tonali himself all but confirmed it last week when speaking in Milan ahead of his Tottenham medical. He said: “We decided for a change, and we are ready for this new adventure. Newcastle wanted the best for me and we wanted the best deal for them. We are all happy and I’m ready for the new challenge.”Photo by SpursWebJohn Barnes claims Sandro Tonali’s Tottenham move is lifestyle-drivenHowever, while Tonali has spoken of wanting a new challenge, former Newcastle star John Barnes believes the decision is not purely football-related. Speaking to BetFair, as relayed by Chroniclelive, Barnes suggested that lifestyle factors may have played a role in Tonali’s choice, particularly the appeal of living in London compared to the north of England.Barnes said: “Except for Liverpool and Manchester United, it’s always been the same, for years and years and years, players playing anywhere north of Birmingham want to move to London.“As much as Newcastle United are doing better than Tottenham, there are foreign players who would rather live in London.”Tonali explains why he chose TottenhamBarnes also claimed that Tonali’s decision to leave Tyneside was more of a lifestyle choice for the Italy international and his family, rather than a footballing one. Again speaking to BetFair, Barnes explained that foreign players often lack allegiance to specific English clubs and are naturally drawn to London when the opportunity arises.He added: “Foreign players don’t have an allegiance to anywhere in England, even though a move to Liverpool or Manchester United is a bit different, so if a club from London comes calling, then they’re going to go.“When people wonder why this move could happen, it’s nothing to do with football.”Tonali himself has since revealed that Roberto De Zerbi played a significant role in his decision to join Tottenham. Asked why he chose Spurs over other clubs such as Manchester City, Tonali explained that both family considerations and De Zerbi’s influence were key factors.He said: “Roberto De Zerbi did a great job in all of this. And for a life choice with family because we are coming from Newcastle and last year our life changed with the birth of our child so we decided to change a bit our life. De Zerbi made a great difference and did his job very well.”READ MORE: Tottenham still waiting on Preston but another club may pounce on £6m Alfie DevineThe post ‘Nothing to do with football’ – John Barnes questions Sandro Tonali’s Tottenham move appeared first on Spurs Web.