Tottenham confirm huge decision for crucial transfer window as strategy explained

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Evening Standard

·24 June 2026

Tottenham confirm huge decision for crucial transfer window as strategy explained

Spurs have made a fast start to the summer, with two new signings already confirmed

Tottenham’s search for a new sporting director has been paused until the end of the summer transfer window.

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Spurs have been on the hunt for a replacement for former co-sporting director Fabio Paratici, who departed the club in February in order to return to Italy with Fiorentina due to family reasons.

Rumours had circulated about who would come in to assist under-fire remaining sporting director Johan Lange with Tottenham’s recruitment, with the likes of former Borussia Dortmund director Sebastian Kehl heavily linked with the role.

But the search has now been put on hold, according to minutes from a recent Fan Advisory Board (FAB) meeting.

Addressing a number of supporter concerns, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham confirmed that hiring a new sporting director was no longer a key priority and said responsibility for this summer’s transfer window would be shared by Lange, head coach Roberto De Zerbi and director of football operations Rafi Moersen.

“The club has confidence in our people, but if we find someone who can complement our existing team and make it better, we will do that at the right time (and in a summer window is not that time),” Venkatesham said.

“No one has been in a process and turned us down. Many names in the media linked with us, we have never even spoken to.”

Show of faith: Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham (R) has expressed full confidence in sporting director Johan Lange

PA

After narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day of the last Premier League season, this summer has been earmarked as a critical period for Tottenham as they look to rebuild following successive 17th-place finishes.

There is particular pressure on Lange, whose recruitment strategy since joining Spurs in 2023 has been heavily criticised, but Venkatesham offered a stern defence of the Dane.

“Players are not bought or sold because ‘the club’ wants to or ‘Roberto’ wants to,” Venkatesham continued. “Johan and his team work hand in glove with Roberto to develop and deliver a joint plan.

“Roberto joined because he believes in what we can do together as a team. He had no retention bonus, he has never asked for control over any decision-making, and he was completely committed to the club if we were relegated.

“Johan played a critical role in his appointment. Roberto was always the number one choice, and we are delighted with the impact he has made so far.”