DONE DEAL Imminent subject to official announcement, Tottenham on verge of completing agreement for 52-year-old to join
Tottenham Hotspur on the Brink of Reappointing Fabio Paratici as Return to North London Nears
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing to bring back their former managing director of football, Fabio Paratici, in a move that signals major change behind the scenes. According to journalist Tom Barclay, the 52-year-old Italian’s return to North London is now considered “imminent,” with the club expected to formally reinstate him as early as next month.
Paratici, who stepped down from his role at Spurs in April 2023, has been serving an 18-month global ban from football-related activities. The punishment stemmed from financial misconduct during his time as an executive at Juventus, including allegations linked to false accounting and transfer dealings. Though initially hit with a 30-month suspension, his penalty was later reduced upon appeal.
Despite officially resigning from his position, Paratici is believed to have maintained close ties with Tottenham during his absence, continuing to act in an advisory capacity to chairman Daniel Levy. The two reportedly share a strong professional rapport, with Levy said to hold Paratici in high esteem for the recruitment work he carried out during his two-year tenure at the club.
His return, however, comes at a time of serious uncertainty and upheaval at Tottenham. The club is in dismal form, having endured one of their worst seasons in Premier League history. The team currently sits 17th in the table with just one game left to play. With only one win in their last 11 league matches — a 3-1 victory over relegated Southampton — the Lilywhites have collected a mere point from a possible 18, leaving them in danger of their lowest ever Premier League finish. A win in their final fixture against Brighton could see them climb as high as 14th, but the damage to the campaign has already been done.
Perhaps even more shockingly, reports suggest that manager Ange Postecoglou could be shown the exit door regardless of the outcome in the upcoming UEFA Europa League final. While Postecoglou has faced pressure throughout the season due to poor domestic performances, leading the team to a European final was seen as a glimmer of hope — but it may not be enough to save his job. It’s believed that Paratici’s return will coincide with significant structural decisions at the club, including the search for Postecoglou’s potential replacement.
During his previous spell at Tottenham, Paratici oversaw several high-profile signings that now form the backbone of the current first-team squad. Key players such as Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski, Pedro Porro, and Destiny Udogie were all recruited under his guidance. Additionally, he played a major role in appointing former head coach Antonio Conte, with whom he previously enjoyed success at Juventus.
Paratici’s expertise in player recruitment and squad building is seen as vital for Spurs as they look to rebuild both their footballing identity and their competitive edge. With the club teetering on the brink of a complete overhaul, his return may mark the beginning of a new chapter — or perhaps, a return to an old strategy with renewed ambition.
Tottenham now face a pivotal summer, one that could define the direction of the club for years to come. Whether Paratici’s second stint in North London can turn around the fortunes of a club in crisis remains to be seen, but for now, all eyes are on his expected return and the sweeping changes that may soon follow.
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