Report: Levy on personal mission to bring 52-year-old to Tottenham after ‘private’ talks
The corridors of power at Tottenham Hotspur are buzzing with intrigue as Daniel Levy attempts to pull off a dramatic coup – bringing former managing director Fabio Paratici back to the club in a permanent capacity once his worldwide football ban expires this June.
The Italian executive, whose fingerprints remain on Spurs’ most successful recent signings, finds himself at the center of a tug-of-war between Tottenham and AC Milan, with Levy personally intervening to stall his compatriot’s potential move to the San Siro.
Paratici’s enduring influence at Tottenham persists despite his official departure last April following a 30-month ban from football activities. Operating in the shadows as a consultant, the 52-year-old has maintained an unusually close relationship with Levy, attending matches and reportedly playing a pivotal role in several transformative transfers.
The acquisitions of Guglielmo Vicario, James Maddison, and Micky van de Ven – all now cornerstones of Spurs’ lineup – bear Paratici’s hallmark of identifying undervalued talent with high upside.
TBR Football’s revelation about Levy’s clandestine meetings with Paratici underscores the chairman’s determination to secure his services permanently. These discussions have apparently disrupted Milan’s courtship, with CEO Giorgio Furlani failing to finalize terms during recent negotiations.
The Italian giants view Paratici as the ideal architect for their rebuilding project, but Tottenham’s deep existing relationship and Paratici’s demonstrated success in North London give Levy a persuasive advantage.
The potential reunion occurs against a backdrop of mounting pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou, whose debut Premier League campaign has yielded alarming results – 15 defeats in 29 matches represents Tottenham’s worst season in recent memory.
While the club hierarchy maintains public patience, awaiting Europa League outcomes before making definitive decisions, Fabrizio Romano’s GIVEMESPORT column confirms contingency planning is already underway.
Andoni Iraola’s transformative work at Bournemouth, Marco Silva’s consistent overachievement at Fulham, and Simone Inzaghi’s trophy-laden tenure at Inter Milan have all registered on Tottenham’s radar. Should Postecoglou fail to reverse the team’s fortunes, Paratici could find himself collaborating with a new head coach next season – a scenario that would test his famed adaptability in working across different managerial philosophies.
The timing of Paratici’s potential return carries added significance given Tottenham’s pressing need for squad reinforcement. His proven track record in Serie A and Premier League markets could prove invaluable as Spurs look to address defensive frailties and add creativity to their midfield.
Moreover, his existing relationships with current players and understanding of the club’s wage structure would provide crucial continuity during what promises to be a turbulent summer.
Financial considerations add another layer of complexity to this unfolding drama. Milan’s offer likely includes substantial compensation and greater autonomy, while Tottenham can counter with Paratici’s unfinished business and established infrastructure.
The executive’s decision may ultimately hinge on whether he values the challenge of resurrecting a familiar project over embarking on a new adventure at one of Italy’s most storied clubs.
For Tottenham supporters, Paratici’s potential return evokes mixed emotions. While his recruitment successes are undeniable, questions linger about his long-term vision and the sustainability of his transfer strategy.
His previous tenure yielded both gems like Dejan Kulusevski and costly misfires such as Djed Spence. In a summer where Financial Fair Play compliance will be paramount, Levy must weigh whether Paratici’s hit rate justifies what would undoubtedly be a lucrative compensation package.
As June approaches, all eyes remain on Paratici’s next move. Will he choose familiarity and redemption at Tottenham, or embrace the prestige and pressure of Milan? His decision could shape both clubs’ trajectories for years to come, while simultaneously determining the fate of Postecoglou and several would-be successors. In the high-stakes world of football governance, few personnel decisions carry such far-reaching consequences.