Tottenham say no approach from Fiorentina for Paratici amid Italian reports

Tottenham Hotspur have not been approached by Fiorentina regarding Fabio Paratici, despite Italian reports that the former Juventus and Tottenham sporting director is ready to accept a five-year deal to become Fiorentina’s director of football. Tottenham, who have shown support for Paratici during a turbulent period, say there has been no contact from the Florence club as transfer windows approach.

Paratici’s career in football leadership has been unusually complex since his involvement in a financial scandal at Juventus led to a 30-month ban, which was initially handed down by the Italian federation and later extended worldwide by FIFA. He was sidelined in April 2023 but remained a visible figure in a consultancy capacity at Tottenham. With the expiry of his ban, Paratici was reappointed to a formal role as sporting director in October, allowing him to resume day-to-day duties in North London. Spurs also retain Johan Lange as part of their recruitment leadership, and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham framed the arrangement as an evolution aimed at long-term success, saying, “Together, Fabio and Johan will lead with purpose.”

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The rumours linking Paratici to Fiorentina come as the Italian club navigate a difficult spell in Serie A. Fiorentina sit toward the bottom of the table, having collected six points from their first 15 games, and their previous sporting director, Daniele Prade, departed the club by mutual consent last month. The timing of any potential move would be sensitive for Spurs, given that Paratici is widely viewed as a central figure in their recruitment planning as the January transfer window looms. The concern within Spurs is less about Paratici’s past and more about the impact of any sudden change in leadership on their transfer plans and strategic direction.

Tottenham have consistently emphasized that Paratici’s return to a formal role was a deliberate step in strengthening their executive setup. Lange’s presence alongside Paratici is intended to provide continuity in player recruitment and long-range planning, with the club stressing a forward-looking approach rather than short-term fixes. While Italian outlets have speculated about Fiorentina’s interest, Spurs say there has been no official contact and that Paratici remains part of the club’s leadership framework as the January window opens.

In summary, Spurs deny ongoing or formal negotiations with Fiorentina over Paratici’s position, despite Italian reporting to the contrary. The club has highlighted the legitimacy of Paratici’s return to a formal sporting director role and has underscored a plan that places joint leadership with Lange at the heart of their recruitment strategy. Absent any new development, Tottenham will proceed with their prepared plans for the January market, hoping to avoid any disruption from the off-field questions surrounding Paratici’s future and to maintain focus on strengthening the squad under the longer-term guidance of the club’s executive leadership.