Key Points
- Tottenham Hotspur are poised to appoint Carlos Raphael Moersen, currently Director of Football Transactions at City Football Group (CFG), as their new Director of Football Operations, with a deal in advanced talks and expected to be finalised shortly.
- The hire comes amid significant instability at the top of the club following Daniel Levy’s departure as executive chairman after 24-25 years in September 2025, marking a new era under the Lewis family.
- Former Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness described the move as part of Tottenham’s “strange” instability, expressing concern that it could affect manager Thomas Frank, and labelled it a “building season” after Spurs’ 17th-place finish last term.
- Moersen, known as ‘Rafi’, has spent nearly a decade at CFG clubs, including roles in player contract negotiations and transfers at Manchester City, with prior experience at DC United and New York City FC in MLS.
- Additional changes include Vinai Venkatesham as CEO since April 2024, Donna-Maria Cullen’s departure in June 2024, Fabio Paratici’s return as joint sporting director with Johan Lange in October 2025, and plans to hire Alex Scotcher as commercial director.
- Wyness emphasised “stability is crucial” for Frank, who faces pressure despite board support, with Spurs currently 11th in the Premier League after a 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, six points off the top four.
- Potential offload of Yves Bissouma in January due to discipline and injury issues under Frank, with an option to extend his contract.
- Candidates to oversee transfers post-Levy include Paratici and Lange, amid speculation on the club’s structure.
Tottenham Hotspur are on the brink of appointing Carlos Raphael Moersen from City Football Group as Director of Football Operations, a move hailed as a key addition yet flagged as symptomatic of deeper instability at the club. This development follows a tumultuous period of executive upheaval since Daniel Levy’s exit, with former chief executive Keith Wyness warning of concerns for manager Thomas Frank’s tenure. Spurs, languishing in 11th place, seek stability amid fan unrest and a challenging season.
Who is Carlos Raphael Moersen Joining Tottenham From?
Carlos Raphael Moersen, often referred to as ‘Rafi’ within CFG circles, serves as Director of Football Transactions, a role he has held since February 2024 after previously being Head of Football Transactions from July 2022. As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Moersen has spent the last 10 years working across CFG clubs, primarily handling negotiations for player contracts with both current and prospective Manchester City players at the Etihad Stadium.
His responsibilities expanded following Omar Berrada’s departure to Manchester United in 2024 and Txiki Begiristain’s exit earlier in 2025, when Hugo Viana assumed the sporting director role at City. Prior to CFG, Moersen worked with DC United and New York City FC in Major League Soccer, bringing a wealth of transactional expertise to Tottenham. According to Yahoo Sports, the agreement with CFG is anticipated to conclude shortly, positioning Moersen to support Spurs’ football operations amid their boardroom transformations.
Why is Keith Wyness Concerned About This Tottenham Hire?
As reported by Keith Wyness, ex-chief executive of Everton (2004-2009), Aston Villa, and Aberdeen, speaking exclusively to Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Tottenham’s instability at the top is “a little bit concerning” and could impact manager Thomas Frank. Wyness stated:
“I also know this morning there’s apparently Carlos Raphael Moersen from the City Football Group coming in as their Director of Football Operations. So another new face coming in.”
He added:
“So another one that Frank has got to learn and work with and stability is crucial. Spurs are going to treat this season, well, obviously they’ve got to do better than last season when they finished 17th. They’ve got to do a lot better than that.”
Wyness views this as a “building season,” suggesting mid-table would be acceptable, but pressure mounts for next year. In another Football Insider piece, Wyness reinforced that sacking Frank would not solve “many years of issues at Spurs,” advocating stability.
What Changes Have Occurred at Tottenham Since Daniel Levy’s Departure?
Daniel Levy departed as executive chairman in early September 2025 after 24-25 years, a tenure marked by deep involvement in transfers, as detailed by The Athletic. Peter Carrington stepped in as chairman, with the Lewis family assuming full control of football operations. Vinai Venkatesham, formerly of Arsenal, became CEO in April 2024, followed by Donna-Maria Cullen’s exit as executive director two months later.
Fabio Paratici rejoined in October 2025 as joint sporting director alongside Johan Lange, who joined from Aston Villa in 2023 and helped sign players like Ollie Watkins. As per To The Lane And Back, four candidates vied to oversee transfers post-Levy, including Paratici and Lange. The Athletic noted Levy’s final acts, like signing Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani on loan, before his shockwaves departure. Spurs also plan to hire Alex Scotcher as commercial director by January to aid naming rights for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since 2019.
How Will Moersen’s Role Fit Into Tottenham’s Structure?
The exact scope of Moersen’s responsibilities remains unclear, with speculation on whether it supersedes or supports co-sporting directors Lange and Paratici. Cartilage Free Captain questioned:
“Will his role supersede that co-Sporting Directors Lange and Paratici? Or will it be subordinate? What exactly will his responsibilities entail?”
Industry insiders speculate Venkatesham or Lange may lead transfer negotiations without Levy.
As per Yardbarker, this fits the Lewis family’s overhaul acknowledgment. Moersen’s CFG pedigree in global football, under figures like Brian Marwood and now Riccardo Bigon, positions him centrally. Football Insider highlighted the hire aids Frank directly.
What Challenges Does Thomas Frank Face at Tottenham?
Thomas Frank, under scrutiny after one win amid fan unrest, manages a side that finished 17th last season. Spurs’ 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest left them 11th, six points from top four. As reported by Spurs Web’s analysis of Wyness, Frank needs a top-six finish to avoid sack pressure, though the board views his project long-term.
Wyness told Football Insider:
“Thomas Frank has ‘proven’ that he can manage Tottenham,”
urging January window backing. Frank reacts philosophically to criticism, confident in attacking potential. Off-field, Yves Bissouma faces January exit due to discipline and injuries under Frank, with a contract extension option.
Is This a Positive Step for Tottenham’s Future?
Supporters and analysts express mixed views, with Cartilage Free Captain noting past hires like Scott Munn failed, hoping Moersen brings change. To The Lane And Back anticipates transfer window impacts under new personnel. Wyness stresses mid-table as progress in this “building season.”
