For the first time in over two decades, Tottenham Hotspur is preparing for a transfer window without Daniel Levy as the final decision-maker.
Levy’s long tenure as chairman, which began in 2001, came to an end in September, marking a significant turning point for the club.
His time in charge was a period of immense change, characterized by incredible highs, like the move to a world-class stadium, and frustrating lows, including periods of inconsistent performance on the pitch.
Now, with Levy gone and replaced by new chairman Peter Carrington, the club faces a crucial question: who will step into the role of transfer kingpin?
This is not just about filling an empty office; it is about setting a new direction for how the club identifies and acquires talent.
The person who takes on this responsibility will have the power to shape the squad for years to come. According to reports, there are four main contenders within the club who are well-positioned to take the lead in the upcoming transfer windows.
Each candidate brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, representing different philosophies for building a successful team.
The first and perhaps most familiar name to fans is Fabio Paratici. The Italian executive has a long history with Tottenham, having previously served as the managing director of football.
He was instrumental in bringing several key players to the club, such as Cristian Romero and Dejan Kulusevski.
Paratici had to step back from his formal role due to a suspension related to his previous work at Juventus, but he has since returned in a consultancy capacity.
His deep knowledge of the European transfer market and his existing relationships with clubs and agents make him a very strong candidate. He understands the club’s structure and has a proven track record of securing top players.
A second contender is Johan Lange, who joined Tottenham as technical director in late 2023. Lange arrived with a strong reputation built during his time at Aston Villa, where he played a pivotal role in their remarkable transformation.
He was the mastermind behind signings like Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins, players who became fundamental to Villa’s rise from relegation battlers to a European side.
His success in identifying talent that can excel in the Premier League is a significant advantage. There is said to be “real confidence” inside the club about his eye for a player, making him a serious candidate to take on a more powerful role.
The third figure in the running is Rebecca Caplehorn, the club’s director of football operations. While she may be less known to the public, her influence behind the scenes has been substantial.
She has been with Tottenham for eleven years, having been personally headhunted by Daniel Levy from Queens Park Rangers.
Her background is in finance, which gives her a meticulous understanding of the complex financial aspects of transfers, including contracts, wages, and dealing with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Her long institutional knowledge of the club and her sharp business acumen make her a dark horse candidate who should not be underestimated.
Finally, there is Vinai Venkatesham, a relatively new arrival who has quickly become a prominent face of the club’s leadership. Venkatesham famously crossed the North London divide, joining Tottenham after a long career as CEO at Arsenal.
Although he has less direct experience in player recruitment compared to the others, he brings a wealth of executive-level experience in running a major football club.
He has already stepped into the spotlight, representing the board at recent fan events. His overall management skills and strategic vision could see him overseeing the transfer department, even if the specific player identification is left to others.
The choice between these four individuals will reveal a lot about the club’s new direction. Will they opt for Paratici’s European connections, Lange’s Premier League-proven strategy, Caplehorn’s financial expertise, or Venkatesham’s broad executive leadership? Each path offers different benefits.
What is clear is that for the first time in a generation, a fresh voice will be leading Tottenham’s transfer strategy, signaling the start of a new and intriguing chapter in the club’s history.
