Tottenham have announced the return of Italian transfer guru Fabio Paratici, who is set to form part of a new leadership group alongside Johan Lange. The pair will work together across the club's transfer strategy, with Paratici's 30-month ban coming to an end. They will both share the official title of sporting directors.
Paratici back in London after 30-month ban
Paratici, 53, previously served as Tottenham’s managing director of football, but resigned in 2023 following a bout of controversy from his time at Juventus. Paratici had lost his appeal against a 30-month ban after Juventus were found guilty by an Italian court of false accounting, and the director was among several executives punished as a result.
Despite this incident, Spurs have maintained informal ties with Paratici throughout his suspension. His ban expired in July 2025, and in the months leading up to its conclusion, he had already been working with Spurs as a consultant, advising the club on player recruitment and strategy.
Those close to the club say that the Italian’s extensive experience in scouting and squad planning continued to benefit Tottenham behind the scenes. Former chairman Daniel Levy was said to be especially impressed by Paratici’s impact during this consultancy phase, although there is no further insight into whether the Italian had any say on recruitment strategy, or if he was behind any of the club's summer signings.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportLange moves aside to make room for new partner
Lange – Spurs' current sporting director – has also been promoted under what Tottenham described as a "new men’s football leadership structure". According to the club’s statement, the decision to install two sporting directors reflects a desire to improve communication, streamline decision-making and enhance collaboration across departments.
In full, it said: "We are delighted to announce the return of Fabio Paratici to the Club as Sporting Director. Fabio will partner with Johan Lange, promoted to also become Sporting Director. This is part of a new structure for our men’s football operation, designed to strengthen leadership, collaboration and long-term decision-making across all areas of the men’s and boys’ game.
"Together, they will lead our men’s football strategy and drive an ambitious new chapter for the Club. This evolution forms part of the Club’s continued investment in world-class men’s and women’s football structures designed to deliver sustained on pitch success.
"Johan and Fabio’s combined expertise will ensure that every decision, from player pathways and performance development to scouting and recruitment, is aligned and supports one overarching goal – to build a winning, world-class men’s team that endures.
"This partnership reflects a progressive approach to modern football operations – uniting two proven leaders with complementary experience, and a commitment to collaboration and innovation."
Moving forward without Levy
This move has been driven by Chief Executive Officer Vinai Venkatesham, who has led communications from the club and sat down in an 11 minute video alongside Paratici and Lange to explain the reshuffle. He added: "This is an important evolution in how we operate. The remit of a Sporting Director today is vast, and by uniting two exceptional leaders in Johan and Fabio, we’re setting the foundations for sustained success. They are both outstanding football minds, with complementary expertise and strong track records. This structure reflects our ambition and our determination to compete at the very highest level to deliver for our supporters.
“Together, Fabio and Johan will lead with purpose – building not only a competitive men’s squad, but a connected football ecosystem where every detail contributes to our shared ambition: to make our club a benchmark for excellence in world football."
Getty Images SportMore change coming at Tottenham?
In addition to the appointments, Spurs revealed that they plan to bring in a director of football operations who will provide further support to both Paratici and Lange. Recruitment for that role, the club said, will begin "shortly". This reshuffle marks the first significant move in Tottenham’s football hierarchy since the departure of former chairman Daniel Levy last month. Owners ENIC have also recently opted to provide the club with a £100million cash injection, with the purpose of driving success on the pitch. Fans will be hoping to see Spurs now take even bigger strides forward when it comes to competing with the very best. Many are anticipating a marquee signing in either January or next summer, with the club also looking to finalise a stadium naming rights deal, which has been absent since it opened in 2019.