Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to play hardball over the future of their sporting director, Fabio Paratici, with the club insisting they will not allow him to join Italian side Fiorentina without receiving appropriate compensation.
Paratici's Desire for a Serie A Return
According to reports from Italy, Paratici is keen on a move to the Florence-based club, who currently sit bottom of Serie A despite securing a shock 5-1 victory over Udinese on Sunday. That win was their first of the league season, leaving them with just nine points from their opening 16 games.
Paratici has already informed Tottenham's chief executive, Vinai Venkatesham, of Fiorentina's interest and told him to expect a formal approach. However, as of the latest updates, no official contact has been made between the clubs, which would be required to negotiate a release from the contract Paratici signed only two months ago in October.
Spurs' Loyalty and Paratici's Turbulent Tenure
The potential departure comes after a period of significant loyalty shown by Tottenham towards the Italian executive. Paratici resigned from his role as managing director of football at Spurs in April 2023 after FIFA extended a worldwide ban relating to his previous financial conduct at Juventus.
Despite this, the club kept him involved on a consultancy basis, with Paratici remaining a visible figure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. When his ban expired this summer, he was formally reappointed as sporting director in October, a title he now shares with Johan Lange.
Upon his reappointment, Venkatesham stated the pair would work together to manage the "ever-expanding requirements" of the role, adding, "Together, Fabio and Johan will lead with purpose. This is an evolution in how we operate. We're setting the foundations for sustained success."
Consequences for Tottenham's January Plans
If Paratici were to leave just two months after this public endorsement, it would represent a significant embarrassment for Venkatesham and the Tottenham hierarchy. More critically, it would deliver a serious blow to the club's January transfer window strategy.
With the winter market about to open, losing their senior recruitment expert would throw plans into disarray at a crucial time. Fiorentina are seeking a new sporting director after Daniele Prade left the club by mutual consent last month.
The situation leaves Tottenham in a precarious position, determined to protect their asset and planning while facing the prospect of a key football executive seeking an exit.
