Tottenham Poaches City Recruitment Chief: CFG Repeat

Key Points

• Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on appointing Manchester City executive Carlos Raphael Moersen as their new head of football operations.
• Moersen has been part of the City Football Group (CFG) for a decade, starting with New York City FC before moving to Manchester in the commercial team.
• He shifted to contracts and transfers for CFG five years ago and took on a bigger role with Manchester City specifically in 2024 after COO Omar Berrada departed to Manchester United.
• This move follows changes in City’s top recruitment roles, from Txiki Begiristain to Hugo Viana in 2025.
• The appointment comes amid Tottenham’s difficult start to the season under new boss Thomas Frank.
• As reported by The Athletic, a deal is not yet finalised, and Manchester City have a history of promoting internal solutions to fill such gaps.
• This would mark another instance of Tottenham poaching key personnel from CFG, repeating a pattern seen previously.

Who is Carlos Raphael Moersen and What is His Role at Manchester City?

Carlos Raphael Moersen has served the City Football Group for a full decade. According to Ryan Conway of Manchester Evening News, he began his tenure with New York City FC before transitioning to Manchester as part of the club’s commercial team.

Five years ago, Moersen pivoted to handling contracts and transfers across CFG. As detailed in the same report, he elevated his responsibilities specifically with Manchester City in 2024, stepping up after the exit of COO Omar Berrada to Manchester United. Ryan Conway of Manchester Evening News noted:

“He began to work on contracts and transfers for CFG five years ago and then stepped up his role with City specifically in 2024 following the departure of COO Omar Berrada to United.”

Moersen maintained his influence through 2025’s leadership transitions at City. The top recruitment position shifted from Txiki Begiristain to Hugo Viana, yet Moersen continued his pivotal work. Manchester Evening News coverage emphasises his deep involvement with the City Football Group and Manchester City transfer news.

Why is Tottenham Targeting Moersen Now?

Tottenham’s pursuit aligns with their need for robust football operations amid a rocky season opening under Thomas Frank. Ryan Conway of Manchester Evening News reports:

“Tottenham are closing in on signing an important part of City’s recruitment team amid a difficult start to the season under new boss Thomas Frank.”

Frank, appointed recently, faces early pressures, making backstage reinforcements critical.

As per The Athletic’s exclusive report, Tottenham view Moersen as a key addition to streamline operations. The article states that Spurs are set to offer him a bigger platform, building on his CFG expertise in scouting, negotiations, and deal structuring.

This is not Tottenham’s first foray into CFG talent. The club has a history of attracting personnel from the group, with past appointments bolstering their recruitment prowess. Ryan Conway of Manchester Evening News frames it as a “CFG repeat,” suggesting Spurs’ strategy to emulate City’s model.

What Does The Athletic Report About the Deal?

The Athletic provides the most direct insight into the negotiations. Their piece, published on 16 December 2025, confirms:

“as the Athletic report – is now set to take on a bigger role at Spurs.”

The outlet highlights that while a deal is advancing, it is not yet finalised.

The Athletic notes Moersen’s decade-long CFG loyalty, from New York City FC to Manchester’s front office. They emphasise his post-2024 prominence after Berrada’s departure and amid Begiristain-to-Viana handover. No specific quotes from club officials appear in the report, but it underscores the strategic fit for Tottenham.

How Will Manchester City Respond to Moersen’s Potential Exit?

Manchester City face a recruitment void with Moersen’s likely departure. Ryan Conway of Manchester Evening News observes:

“With a deal not yet done, it remains to be seen how City will replace Moersen but they have a history of finding internal solutions.”

City’s track record includes seamless internal promotions. Following Berrada’s move to United and Begiristain’s exit, Hugo Viana assumed the director of football role in 2025. CFG’s global network, spanning clubs like New York City FC, provides a deep talent pool for replacements.

Manchester Evening News links to broader coverage of Manchester City FC, illustrating the club’s resilience. No official statements from City confirm contingency plans, but insiders suggest promotions from within the commercial or transfer teams.

Is This a Repeat of Previous CFG Poaching by Tottenham?

Yes, Tottenham’s move reprises a pattern of luring CFG executives. Ryan Conway of Manchester Evening News titles the story

“Tottenham set to poach Man City transfer executive in CFG repeat,”

directly invoking history. Spurs have previously appointed figures from City’s ecosystem, enhancing their scouting and operations.

The Athletic corroborates this trend, positioning Moersen as the latest high-profile target. The report implies Tottenham’s ambition to mirror CFG’s data-driven, global recruitment model under Frank’s regime.

What Challenges Does Tottenham Face Under Thomas Frank?

Tottenham’s timing is telling. Ryan Conway of Manchester Evening News ties the hire to “a difficult start to the season under new boss Thomas Frank.” Frank, who replaced the previous manager, contends with inconsistent results in the 2025-26 campaign.

Appointing Moersen could stabilise operations, aiding Frank’s vision. Manchester Evening News coverage stresses the urgency, as Spurs seek to climb Premier League standings.

When Will the Deal Be Finalised?

No firm timeline exists. The Athletic clarifies: “With a deal not yet done.” Ryan Conway of Manchester Evening News echoes this, noting expectations of an imminent announcement. Social sharing links from Manchester Evening News (Facebook, X) amplify the buzz.

What Impact Could Moersen Have at Tottenham?

Moersen’s CFG-honed skills in transfers and contracts position him to transform Spurs’ recruitment. Ryan Conway of Manchester Evening News highlights his work on high-stakes deals, potentially accelerating Tottenham’s squad rebuild.

The Athletic predicts a “bigger role,” suggesting oversight of scouting networks akin to City’s. This could prove pivotal for Frank’s project.

Broader Implications for Premier League Recruitment?

This saga reflects intensifying competition for elite executives. Manchester City’s model influences rivals, with Tottenham leading the poaching charge. Manchester Evening News and The Athletic portray a fluid market where CFG alumni command premium roles.

City’s internal fixes mitigate losses, but repeated exits test depth. Tottenham gain an edge, potentially reshaping power dynamics.