Tottenham Hotspur fans did not expect this twist, but football often finds a way to surprise. With Fabio Paratici set to officially depart Spurs and take up the role of Director of Football at Fiorentina, the focus has largely been on what his exit means for the club’s long-term direction.
Instead, Paratici has managed to leave Tottenham with one final, unexpected parting gift before walking away.
In just a few days, Paratici will begin a new chapter in Italy, returning to familiar ground after his time in north London. His decision to join Fiorentina has raised eyebrows, especially considering their struggles this season.
On the surface, it does not reflect well on Tottenham that a senior football executive is choosing to move on at this moment, particularly to a club having such a difficult campaign. It suggests Paratici may not fully buy into the vision currently being shaped by Thomas Frank and the new structure behind the scenes.
That said, Fiorentina remain a historic and respected club in Italian football, and Paratici has always done his best work in Serie A. His reputation was built during his successful spell at Juventus, and even during his complicated time at Spurs, he still played a role in some useful deals.
Tottenham supporters will likely wish him well, especially as he showed professionalism by continuing to assist the club even while preparing for his exit. His involvement in the loan move for Randal Kolo Muani earlier on was a reminder of his connections and experience.
What nobody saw coming was Paratici helping to tidy up Tottenham’s squad on his way out. Before his own departure was even made official, news broke of a player exit that earned the famous “Here We Go” confirmation from Fabrizio Romano. That moment alone tells you the deal is all but done.
The player in question is Manor Solomon. According to Romano, Fiorentina have reached a verbal agreement to take the winger on loan from Tottenham. Solomon is currently on loan at Villarreal, but that move has not gone to plan at all.
He has failed to make an impact in Spain, barely featuring and struggling to show the level required. It has been clear for some time that his future at Villarreal was going nowhere.
For Fiorentina, though, the situation is different. They are desperate for attacking spark, especially from wide areas, and Solomon does offer a direct threat from the left flank.
While his recent form has been underwhelming, he has shown in the past that he can score goals and arrive in dangerous positions. In a struggling team, that kind of output can still make a difference.
Paratici’s influence in this deal feels obvious. He knows Solomon well from his time at Tottenham and understands what he can offer. Familiarity matters, especially when a club needs quick solutions during a poor run of form. For Fiorentina, this is a low-risk move that could provide immediate help.
The agreement will see Solomon’s loan simply switched from Villarreal to Fiorentina for the remainder of the season. However, this new deal comes with an important difference.
Unlike the Villarreal loan, Fiorentina’s agreement will include an option to buy at the end of the campaign. While the exact fee has not yet been revealed, this clause gives Tottenham a clear pathway to a permanent exit if things work out.
A medical is expected to take place soon, which will effectively seal the move. For Spurs, this is quietly positive news. Solomon is not part of Thomas Frank’s plans, and moving him closer to a permanent departure helps reduce squad clutter and future headaches.
In the end, Paratici’s Tottenham spell will always divide opinion. But even as he prepares to leave, he has helped move one problem piece off the board.
That may not grab headlines like a blockbuster signing, but it is still a useful final contribution. Sometimes, the best goodbye gift is simply making things a little easier for those left behind.
