Deal imminent: Tottenham on verge of agreement for 52yr old to join – report
Tottenham Hotspur are on the brink of a significant internal reshuffle as the club prepares to bring back former managing director of football Fabio Paratici.
The 52-year-old Italian executive, who stepped down in April 2023 after losing an appeal in Italy against a ban for financial irregularities during his tenure at Juventus, is reportedly close to making his return to North London.
According to journalist Tom Barclay, Paratici’s reappointment is considered imminent, with plans for him to resume duties next month. His return could have immediate and far-reaching consequences for the future of the club, particularly when it comes to the managerial position currently occupied by Ange Postecoglou.
Despite leading the team to the Europa League final, Postecoglou finds his position under threat, with reports suggesting that even a European trophy may not be enough to secure his job.
Paratici’s influence in the decision-making process is expected to be significant, and his role will likely involve overseeing the potential appointment of a new head coach should the club decide to part ways with the Australian tactician.
For a man returning after an 18-month suspension from football-related activities, Paratici’s reentry into Tottenham’s hierarchy marks a bold statement of intent from the club, particularly from chairman Daniel Levy, who remains a staunch admirer of Paratici’s work.
During his previous stint with Spurs, Paratici developed a strong working relationship with Levy, earning the chairman’s trust through a series of high-profile signings and strategic planning.
Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, Paratici remained close to the club in an advisory capacity, offering behind-the-scenes guidance while remaining officially out of the spotlight.
His fingerprints are still visible on the current squad, having been instrumental in the acquisitions of Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie, and Dejan Kulusevski. His influence also played a crucial role in bringing in former head coach Antonio Conte, a partnership rekindled from their time at Juventus.
Now, with Tottenham facing one of their most disappointing seasons in recent memory, Paratici’s return signals an urgent push to restore credibility and competitiveness.
The club finds itself languishing near the foot of the Premier League table, in 17th place with just one fixture left to play. This precarious position marks what could be Tottenham’s worst-ever finish since the league’s inception in 1992.
The dismal run has seen the team secure only one victory in their last 11 league matches—a 3-1 triumph over relegated Southampton—and collect a mere single point from their last 18 available.
This alarming decline has added pressure not only on Postecoglou but also on the club’s broader leadership structure. Tottenham, a club accustomed to finishing in and around European competition spots, now teeters on the edge of ignominy.
A win in their final match against Brighton could lift them as high as 14th, but even that would do little to mask the glaring issues that have plagued their campaign.
For a side with such lofty expectations, the 2024-25 season has unraveled in ways few could have predicted, and the return of Paratici appears to be part of a strategic reset aimed at salvaging the club’s long-term vision.
Paratici’s controversial past and his role in Juventus’ financial missteps are not easily forgotten, but Levy’s decision to welcome him back suggests a willingness to prioritize footballing acumen over reputation.
The Italian’s network, experience, and track record in player recruitment are valuable assets at a time when Tottenham desperately need direction.
As the dust settles on a turbulent campaign, all eyes will now turn to how this reunion unfolds—and whether Paratici can help steer Tottenham back to relevance in both the domestic and European arenas. The stakes could hardly be higher, and the pressure to deliver results will begin the moment he officially resumes his post.