Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur have firmly stated they have not received any approach from Italian club Fiorentina for their co-sporting director, Fabio Paratici. This denial comes despite strong reports emerging from Italy that the executive is poised to accept a major offer.
Italian Rumours vs North London Reality
According to widespread media coverage in Italy, Fiorentina—currently languishing at the foot of Serie A with just six points from 15 games—were prepared to offer Paratici a substantial five-year contract to become their new director of football. The role became vacant last month after their previous sporting director, Daniele Prade, left the club by mutual consent.
However, sources within Tottenham have moved quickly to quash these rumours, insisting there has been no formal contact from the Florence-based club. Paratici, 53, only resumed a formal executive role at Spurs in October 2023 following the expiry of a worldwide football ban.
Paratici's Turbulent Journey at Spurs
The Italian's tenure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been marked by significant off-pitch drama. The club stood by him through a worldwide FIFA ban imposed in April 2023, which stemmed from his involvement in a financial scandal during his prior role at Juventus. This sanction initially sidelined him just two years into his position in North London.
Despite the 30-month suspension, Paratici remained a visible figure at Spurs in a consultancy capacity. His ban officially ended in the autumn, allowing chief executive Vinai Venkatesham to reappoint him as a sporting director in October, working alongside fellow director Johan Lange.
"Together, Fabio and Johan will lead with purpose," Venkatesham said at the time of the reappointment. "This is an evolution in how we operate. We're setting the foundations for sustained success."
Potential Consequences of a Sudden Exit
Losing Paratici now would represent a significant and embarrassing setback for the Tottenham hierarchy, particularly for Venkatesham, who publicly endorsed his return just two months ago. From a footballing perspective, his departure would deliver a serious blow to the club's January transfer plans.
As the senior recruitment expert, Paratici is central to Spurs' strategy for the winter market, which opens imminently. His exit at this critical juncture would force a major and unwelcome restructuring of their recruitment process mid-season.
For Fiorentina, the attraction of a figure of Paratici's experience is clear as they battle against relegation. Their search for a new sporting director continues, but as it stands, Tottenham are planning for the future with Fabio Paratici firmly in their set-up.
