Tottenham Hotspur will see sporting director Fabio Paratici depart the club following the January transfer window as he prepares to take up a role with Serie A side Fiorentina. The move marks a return to his native Italy for Paratici, who has been a central figure in Spurs’ recruitment and sporting strategy since first joining the club in 2021.
Paratici’s Journey with Tottenham
Paratici initially joined Tottenham in the summer of 2021, bringing his extensive Italian and European football experience to the North London club. However, his first stint ended in 2023 after a legal dispute surrounding a two-and-a-half-year ban for alleged financial irregularities during his time at Juventus. The ban, imposed by FIFA, was upheld by Italy’s highest sports court, preventing him from working in an official football capacity for 30 months.
During that period, Paratici continued to work in a consultancy role for Spurs, contributing to recruitment and strategic planning behind the scenes. In October 2025, he officially returned to the club, resuming his duties as sporting director.
Paratici reflected on his time in London, stating:
“I have loved my time at the club, however this opportunity, together with the need to be based in my homeland, has led me to this decision.”
Fiorentina Move: Returning to Italy
Paratici’s next role will see him join Fiorentina, who are currently struggling in 18th place in Serie A. The Italian side has recently strengthened ties with Tottenham, as Spurs winger Manor Solomon moved to Florence on a loan deal with an option to buy. This connection may provide continuity in recruitment and scouting strategies between the two clubs.
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank previously commented on Paratici’s return to the club at the end of 2025, saying:
“We’re paying his wage, he’s working very hard.”
Meanwhile, Spurs chief executive Vinai Venkatesham emphasized that the club’s management structure is designed to withstand personnel changes, assuring fans that it will be “business as usual moving forward.”
Paratici’s Influence on Tottenham
During his time at Spurs, Paratici has been heavily involved in transfer strategy, youth recruitment, and scouting across Europe. He has played a key role in signing talented players from Serie A and other top leagues, helping the club maintain a competitive squad in both domestic and European competitions.
His departure will undoubtedly leave a gap in the recruitment and football operations department, but Tottenham are confident that their existing structure and scouting networks can continue to operate effectively.
What This Means for Tottenham and Fiorentina
For Spurs, the exit of Paratici comes at a crucial point in the season, amid preparations for the Premier League run-in and ongoing cup competitions. While the sporting director’s influence on transfers will be missed, Thomas Frank and the existing recruitment team are expected to continue Spurs’ strategy of blending experienced players with emerging talent.
For Fiorentina, bringing in a figure of Paratici’s caliber signals ambition to stabilize and improve their Serie A position. The club’s current struggles make this a pivotal signing on the executive side, as they look to reinforce their squad and long-term footballing strategy.
Key Facts:
- Name: Fabio Paratici
- Position: Sporting Director
- Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur (departing after January 2026 transfer window)
- Next Club: Fiorentina (Serie A)
- Previous Experience: Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur, consultant roles during FIFA ban
- Notable Contributions: Key transfers and recruitment strategy at Spurs, European scouting
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