Report: Tottenham Hotspur awaiting approach for Italian director | OneFootball

Fiorentina circle as Spurs face boardroom uncertainty

Tottenham are bracing themselves for an imminent approach from Fiorentina for Fabio Paratici, a move that could land awkwardly given its timing and symbolism. As reported by the Daily Mail, the Serie A club expect Paratici to join them as director of football and are preparing to formalise their interest, despite Spurs not yet being contacted.

Italian reports have suggested Paratici is poised to accept a five year deal from Fiorentina, who sit bottom of Serie A, although that approach is only now expected. Fiorentina are confident they can prise the 53 year old away from North London, a confidence that speaks to both their urgency and Paratici’s standing in Italian football.

Tottenham loyalty tested by timing

Tottenham stood by Paratici through one of the most uncomfortable episodes in their recent executive history. He was sidelined in April 2023 after receiving a 30 month ban for his role in a financial scandal during his time at Juventus, a punishment initially imposed by the Italian FA before being extended worldwide by FIFA.

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Despite this, Paratici remained a visible presence in a consultancy role and was formally reappointed as sporting director in October, once the ban expired. That return was framed as part of a broader structural evolution.

“Together, Fabio and Johan will lead with purpose,” said chief executive Vinai Venkatesham at the time. “This is an evolution in how we operate. We’re setting the foundations for sustained success.”

Recruitment plans at risk

If Paratici were to leave just two months later, it would inevitably reflect poorly on that messaging. Spurs already operate with Johan Lange in a sporting director role, but Paratici’s departure on the eve of the January window would be a serious blow to transfer planning, removing a senior recruitment figure at a critical moment.

For Fiorentina, the context is stark. They have endured a grim start, collecting only nine points from their first 16 league games, before a shock 5-1 home win over Udinese offered brief respite. Their previous sporting director, Daniele Prade, left by mutual consent last month, leaving a vacuum Paratici is seen as capable of filling.

Optics matter as much as outcomes

This is not merely an operational issue for Tottenham. It is about credibility. After backing Paratici through controversy and restoring him to prominence, losing him now would raise questions about stability and foresight, particularly if Fiorentina’s approach proves irresistible.

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For Spurs supporters, this report is deeply unsettling. Not because Paratici is universally loved, but because the timing feels chaotic. Fans were told the club was “setting the foundations for sustained success,” only to see one of the central architects potentially walk away within weeks.

There is also frustration at how often Tottenham seem vulnerable off the pitch. Standing by Paratici through his ban was a calculated risk, one many supporters accepted on the basis that his return would bring coherence and authority to recruitment. If he leaves now, it risks looking naive rather than loyal.

Supporters will question whether the dual sporting director model actually works. Johan Lange may be capable, but Paratici’s influence on negotiations and networks was meant to be decisive, especially heading into January. Losing that expertise so late in the year could have knock on effects for incomings and outgoings.

At the same time, some fans will shrug and say this is Spurs being Spurs. Another promising structure destabilised just as it is meant to deliver. Fiorentina’s desperation is understandable, but Tottenham allowing themselves to be exposed again would feel painfully familiar. Stability, more than star names, is what supporters crave, and this episode threatens exactly that.