Key Points
- Fabio Paratici returned to Tottenham Hotspur in October 2025 as joint sporting director alongside Johan Lange, after serving a 30-month FIFA ban linked to Juventus financial irregularities.
- Fiorentina approached Paratici for the role of Head of Football amid their relegation battle in Serie A, following the resignation of Daniele Prade and dismissal of coach Stefano Pioli.
- Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported Fiorentina are “prepared to advance and seal the appointment” of Paratici, with the agreement “getting closer,” though formal steps with Tottenham remain needed.
- Reports from Il Corriere della Sera claim Paratici has struck a five-year deal with Fiorentina until 2030 and is working to terminate his Tottenham contract, having already returned to Italy.
- Tottenham have not received any formal approach from Fiorentina, according to Daily Mail and BBC Sport, leaving the club surprised by the speculation.
- Paratici collaborated with Johan Lange, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, and head coach Thomas Frank during his consultancy phase before full-time return.
- Fiorentina sit bottom of Serie A with six points from 15 matches but recently won 5-1 against Udinese; Paratici reportedly plans four or five January signings and to retain coach Paolo Vanoli.
- Spurs view Paratici’s potential exit as a blow ahead of January transfers, with crunch talks expected; some outlets call it embarrassing for the hierarchy.
Who is Fabio Paratici and What Was His Role at Tottenham?
Fabio Paratici, 53, initially joined Tottenham in 2021 as managing director of football but stepped back due to a FIFA suspension over Juventus’ financial malpractice allegations. He returned on 15 October 2025 as co-sporting director with Johan Lange, elevated from technical director.
In a statement on Tottenham’s official website, Paratici said,
“I have been collaborating with Johan, Vinai, and Thomas in a consultancy capacity for several months, and I am eager to return to London and contribute to the team on a full-time basis. I firmly believe that, in partnership with Johan, we can create a remarkable future for the club and its supporters.”
Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham praised the duo, stating,
“By bringing together two outstanding leaders like Johan and Fabio, we are laying the groundwork for ongoing success.”
The club announced plans for a new director of football operations to support them in building a “victorious, world-class men’s team.”
Paratici reflected on the role’s evolution in club media:
“We require more specialists. There are numerous departments to oversee, including transfers, players, and agents. I am eager to work alongside this talented group and with Johan. Our familiarity will foster synergy, and while I am quite passionate and emotional, I believe our unique skills will complement each other.”
Why Have Fiorentina Approached Paratici?
Fiorentina, rooted to the bottom of Serie A with six points from 15 matches, seek Paratici as Head of Football to replace Daniele Prade, who resigned last week after coach Stefano Pioli’s dismissal.
As per Nicolo Schira of nicoloschira.com,
“Fabio Paratici si avvicina sempre di più alla Fiorentina il ruolo di Head of Football. Pronto un contratto fino al 2030. Il direttore sportivo del Tottenham ha dato la sua disponibilità a unirsi alla Viola ed è pronto a lasciare gli inglesi per tornare in Serie A.”
The outlet added Fiorentina are “fiduciose di finalizzare l’accordo” by Monday.
Matteo Moretto first broke news of the approach, later validated by Matt Law, noting Tottenham had no formal proposal despite direct contacts. Fiorentina’s recent 5-1 win over Udinese marked their first league victory, yet relegation looms without intervention.
What Do Latest Reports Say About Paratici’s Deal with Fiorentina?
Italian outlet Il Corriere della Sera reports Paratici has “struck a deal” for a five-year contract at Fiorentina, now working to end his Tottenham ties after landing in Italy. The paper claims he aims for “at least four or five acquisitions” in January to secure survival and launch an ambitious project, retaining coach Paolo Vanoli short-term.
Football Italia echoed,
“Paratici will sign a five-year contract at the Stadio Franchi, and his priority will be to fix the team in the January transfer window, aiming to secure survival in 2025-26 before starting a new, ambitious project with the Tuscans.”
Fabrizio Romano of spurs-web.com detailed Fiorentina’s confidence post-approach, replacing Prade amid their crisis. Nicolo Schira noted a deal “until 2030” with Paratici giving the “green light.”
Has Tottenham Received Any Formal Approach from Fiorentina?
Tottenham maintain no formal contact has occurred. As reported by the Daily Mail via thehardtackle.com,
“Serie A outfit Fiorentina are yet to approach Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur over a move for Fabio Paratici.”
BBC Sport confirmed on 22 December 2025,
“Tottenham have not had an approach from Fiorentina, despite strong reports in Italy claiming Fabio Paratici is poised to accept a five-year deal.”
Allfootballapp.com added Spurs are “surprised by Fiorentina reports for Paratici.”
Football.london stated,
“The report claims that the director is now working to terminate his contract with Spurs, ahead of a return to Italy,”
but noted Tottenham’s preparations for transfers under Thomas Frank.
How Do Tottenham Fans and Pundits Feel About the Rumours?
Spurs supporters face dismay, with tottenhamhotspurnews.com opining Paratici “should be utterly ashamed” for potentially leaving after the club’s support through his ban. The site highlighted crunch talks this week could end his stint, a “big blow” pre-January window.
Thehardtackle.com urged, “Spurs must keep Paratici,” citing his role in rebuilding under Frank:
“Tottenham Hotspur need to improve the team, and Paratici could play a key role… Keeping Paratici would be a wise decision.”
Spurs-web.com called it “potentially an embarrassing situation for Vinai Venkatesham and the Spurs hierarchy,” after touting the Paratici-Lange partnership. Cartilage Free Captain noted the oddity of joining a “destined for Serie B” side post-Spurs loyalty.
What Impact Could Paratici’s Exit Have on Tottenham?
Losing Paratici risks disrupting Tottenham’s January plans under Thomas Frank. Football.london noted his past signings like “Udog and De Kuluseski” won fans, vital now for squad bolstering.
Thehardtackle.com warned,
“It remains to be seen if the North London outfit are willing to let him move on… Tottenham have a more ambitious project and greater resources.”
Spurs-web.com fears the “rebuild is going terribly wrong,” especially window-near.
Paratici’s departure, if realised, underscores tensions in the dual-director model Venkatesham hailed. Tottenham’s official unveiling positioned him centrally for a “bold new phase,” now in jeopardy.
What is Fiorentina’s Current Situation and Paratici’s Plans?
Fiorentina languish bottom, but beat Udinese 5-1 recently. Il Corriere della Sera via multiple outlets details Paratici’s strategy: four-five signings, Vanoli retention pending results.
Yahoo Sports Canada reported,
“His aim is to ensure the team’s survival for the 2025-26 season and to initiate a new, ambitious project.”
Sporten.com called him “brilliant” despite scandals, eyeing a “Head of Football” role.
The move tempts with homeland return and rebuild challenge, contrasting Tottenham’s Premier League ambitions.
