One Tottenham exit is finalised, with another now expected amid transfer desperation
Tottenham’s January window plans have been thrown into disarray with sporting director Fabio Paratici potentially set to join assistant manager Matt Wells in leaving the club soon.
Thomas Frank has struggled throughout his first few months as Tottenham boss, and will be hoping that the new year is set to provide him with fresh ideas and numerous new signings.
Spurs do not look to be ending the year in strong form, after successive losses to Nottingham Forest and Liverpool saw them drop to 14th in the Premier League table.
Fresh developments off the pitch are set to hinder them even further, with one of Frank‘s assistants, Wells, officially leaving the club on Tuesday to become Colorado Rapids’ new boss.
They are set for a busy January window as numerous players arrive and depart, meaning Paratici‘s potential exit could come at a bad time ahead of the new year.
Paratici could leave Spurs for Fiorentina amid their desperation to sign a left-winger in January
Sporting director Paratici returned to Tottenham in October after he had initially resigned from the role in April 2023 due to a 30-month FIFA ban for financial irregularities.
He could be on his way out of the North London club just a few months after his return, however, with The Sun reporting that he has been offered a five-year contract by Fiorentina to become their new head of football.
Tottenham are yet to receive an official approach from the Serie A club for his services, and would demand compensation if Paratici was to leave soon.
The report also states that the potential departure of the Italian director is set to further complicate matters for Frank ahead of January, as they are understood to be desperate to land a left-winger, but face a challenge to persuade their targets to make the move.
What has Frank said about Paratici’s potential exit?
Frank’s job is thought to be in danger right now, with former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believed to be a front-runner to take over if he departs.
He needs things to start going his way both on and off the pitch in the coming weeks, with Paratici’s possible departure set to be a huge blow to his January plans if it does materialise.
The Danish boss was asked about the saga in his pre-Crystal Palace press conference on Wednesday, and he remained coy on the subject but made it clear that he wants the 53-year-old to stay at the club.
He said: “I think, first and foremost, it’s not the first rumour I need to speak about. If it’s a staff director or player, in general, I’m not speaking about that.
“It’s one of these where there’s a lot of rumours out there which I’m not really commenting on, players, staff, directors, it’s not for me to have a decision on.
“Right now, Fabio and Johan are here, that’s what I relate to, and that’s what I’m focusing on.”