A quiet tremor is running through Tottenham Hotspur, signaling another significant shift behind the scenes. Fabio Paratici, the club’s co-sporting director, is poised to depart for Serie A side Fiorentina, marking his second exit from the North London club in a remarkably short period.
The move, slated for early February, is officially attributed to personal reasons, though it represents a surprising turn given his recent return. Paratici will remain at Tottenham to navigate the crucial final days of the winter transfer window, working alongside Johan Lange to finalize any incoming or outgoing players.
Despite the impending departure, Paratici isn’t slowing down. He’s currently spearheading the acquisition of Brazilian left-back Souza from Santos, a deal that exemplifies his renowned scouting network in South America and his ability to identify emerging talent.
Few anticipated this swift exit. Paratici only rejoined Tottenham in October, following the expiration of a worldwide ban, and the opportunity to lead Fiorentina’s football operations – closer to his Italian homeland – proved too compelling to resist.
Paratici’s time at Tottenham has been anything but conventional. Initially arriving in June 2021 as Managing Director of Football, he was tasked with overhauling the club’s recruitment strategy and injecting a modern approach.
That first chapter ended abruptly in April 2023, forced by a 30-month ban stemming from financial irregularities uncovered during his tenure at Juventus. Yet, even in his absence, his influence lingered, shaping the squad from afar.
His fingerprints are all over the current Tottenham lineup. Players like Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski, and Rodrigo Bentancur – now cornerstones of the team – were all brought to the club under his direction.
Beyond those established stars, Paratici also identified and secured the signings of Destiny Udogie and Yves Bissouma, recognizing their potential before their market values soared. His eye for talent was undeniable.
Even while serving his ban, Paratici continued to operate as an unofficial consultant, quietly advising Daniel Levy and contributing to key signings like Micky van de Ven, Brennan Johnson, and Guglielmo Vicario.
His recent return was intended to provide stability to the club’s recruitment alongside Lange. Instead, it appears his second spell will be a fleeting one, a brief but impactful cameo in the ongoing story of Tottenham Hotspur.
The players he brought to Tottenham represent a significant investment and a clear vision. Romero arrived for £42 million, Kulusevski for £30 million, and Bentancur for £16 million, establishing a strong core.
Further bolstering the squad, Udogie cost £15 million, Bissouma £25 million, Porro £39 million, and Vicario £17 million. These acquisitions demonstrate a commitment to building a competitive team.
More recent additions, like James Maddison at £40 million, Micky van de Ven at £34 million, and Brennan Johnson at £47.5 million, further illustrate Paratici’s influence on shaping the current squad. Manor Solomon arrived on a free transfer, adding further depth.
Paratici’s legacy at Tottenham is complex, marked by both success and controversy. His ability to identify and secure talented players is undeniable, but his departure leaves a void in the club’s leadership structure.
