Fabio Paratici has left Tottenham Hotspur to join Fiorentina as their new head of football. The move starts on February 4. Tottenham confirmed it today after rumours started in December. Paratici will stay with Spurs until the January transfer window shuts on February 2. That lets him help with deals one last time.
Paratici is 53. He first joined Tottenham in June 2021 as managing director of football. He came from Juventus, where he worked for years. At Spurs, he handled transfers and signings. Some worked well, like Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur.
Others did not pan out. He resigned in April 2023 after a ban from football. FIFA gave him 30 months for issues at Juventus. He appealed and got back to work in October 2025 as co-sporting director with Johan Lange.
His second spell lasted just four months. Personal reasons play a part in the exit. He wants to go back to Italy. Fiorentina offered him the top job in their football setup. They struggle in Serie A this season. They sit low at the table. Paratici could help turn things around. He knows Italian football inside out from his Juventus days.
Tottenham put out a statement. Chief Executive Vinai Venkatesham thanked him. He said the club structure stays strong even with changes. Paratici shared his thoughts too. He loved his time at Spurs. The club feels close to him. But this chance and being home pulled him away. He thinks Tottenham will succeed, and he will follow from Italy.
Fans have mixed feelings. Some credit him for smart buys. Others blame him for misses. Online, posts show sadness but understanding. One fan said it is a blow mid-season. Another wished him luck. Spurs forums buzz with who takes over next. Lange might handle more alone for now.
Fiorentina announced it too. They called him their new director sportivo. He starts right after the window. The Italian side needs fresh ideas. They lost key players last year. Paratici could scout new ones. His track record includes big names like Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus.
This news broke from David Ornstein first. Then Fabrizio Romano confirmed. Reports from Italy hinted at it weeks ago. Paratici met Fiorentina bosses in December. Talks went smoothly. No fee is involved since he leaves for free.
Tottenham sit mid-table in the Premier League. They chase Europe spots. The window matters. They are eye defenders and midfield help. Paratici helped bring in players before. His last acts could shape the squad.
Paratici built a name in football ops. At Juventus, he won titles. Tottenham gave him a new start after troubles. Now back home, he gets a clean slate. Fiorentina fans seem hopeful. Posts welcome his experience.
No bad blood from the exit. Spurs thank him for his efforts. He leaves on good terms. Football moves fast. Changes like this happen often.
Watch how both clubs do next. Tottenham without him. Fiorentina with his input. Deals in January might show his touch one more time. Paratici packs for Florence soon. His family joins him there. Italy calls after time abroad.
