Exclusive: Fabio Paratici’s stance on returning to Tottenham as Daniel Levy makes strong push for his return

Tottenham Hotspur are set to face disappointment in their pursuit of bringing Fabio Paratici back to the club, as the former managing director of football appears to have already decided his next move.

Paratici, who served as Tottenham’s sporting director for two years, has been out of football since receiving an 18-month ban for financial irregularities during his time at Juventus.

With his suspension set to end this summer, the Italian was expected to return to the game, and Tottenham had hoped to rehire him in a role similar to the one Luis Campos holds at Paris Saint-Germain. However, it seems Paratici has chosen a different path.

According to sources close to TBR Football, Paratici has agreed to become AC Milan’s new sporting director, snubbing a potential return to Tottenham. The 52-year-old has reportedly finalized a deal with the Italian giants, who are keen to re-establish themselves as one of Europe’s elite clubs.

This decision comes as a blow to Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, who holds Paratici in high regard for the work he did during his tenure in North London. Levy had hoped to bring Paratici back to help oversee the club’s recruitment and long-term strategy, but it appears the Italian’s future lies in his homeland.

Paratici’s time at Tottenham was marked by several successful signings that have left a lasting impact on the squad. Among his best acquisitions was Cristian Romero, who has developed into one of Europe’s top defenders and is now a target for Real Madrid.

Dejan Kulusevski, another standout signing, has become one of Tottenham’s most influential attacking players since joining from Juventus. Paratici also played a key role in securing the services of Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie, both of whom have proven to be excellent additions to the team’s defensive line.

Additionally, Guglielmo Vicario’s arrival as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper is believed to have been influenced by Paratici’s recommendations.

Paratici’s ability to identify and secure top talent made him a popular figure among Tottenham fans, and his departure was felt when he stepped away due to his ban.

His potential return had been seen as a way to reinvigorate the club’s recruitment strategy, but AC Milan’s successful pursuit of the Italian has dashed those hopes. Milan had also considered Andrea Berta for the sporting director role, but the Italian has instead agreed to join Arsenal, leaving Paratici as their top choice.

For Tottenham, the focus now shifts to identifying an alternative candidate to fill the void left by Paratici’s absence. The club’s recruitment strategy will be crucial as they look to build a squad capable of competing for major honors under manager Ange Postecoglou.

While Paratici’s departure is a setback, Tottenham’s recent signings have shown that the club is capable of making astute acquisitions, and the challenge will be to maintain that level of success without his expertise.

As for Paratici, his move to AC Milan represents a new chapter in his career. The Rossoneri are eager to reclaim their status as one of Europe’s top clubs, and Paratici’s experience and eye for talent will be invaluable in achieving that goal.

His track record at both Juventus and Tottenham suggests that he has the skills to make a significant impact at the San Siro, and Milan fans will be hopeful that he can help guide the club back to the pinnacle of European football.

For Tottenham, the search for a new sporting director will be a key priority as they prepare for the summer transfer window. While Paratici’s decision to join Milan is a disappointment, the club must now focus on finding a suitable replacement who can continue to drive their ambitions forward.

With the right appointment, Tottenham can build on the foundations laid by Paratici and continue their pursuit of success on both domestic and European fronts.