Tottenham Hotspur’s recent restructure is set to be tested in the upcoming January transfer window
Tottenham officially confirmed the long-awaited return of Fabio Paratici earlier last week, with the Italian rejoining the club on a full-time basis as Sporting Director. His primary responsibilities will include overseeing player negotiations during transfer windows and playing a key role in shaping the long-term squad strategy for the North London club.
Paratici is one of the most well-connected figures in world football. If there’s someone he doesn’t know within the game, that person probably isn’t worth knowing. However, this time around, he won’t be operating alone. The Italian will work closely alongside Johan Lange and Thomas Frank, with all three expected to collaborate on identifying transfer targets and making final recruitment decisions.
The upcoming January transfer window will offer the first real glimpse of how this trio functions collectively. It will be crucial for them to identify and sign players who fit seamlessly into Frank’s tactical system. The challenge lies in maintaining alignment — ensuring that all three are in agreement before pursuing a target. With multiple voices involved, Tottenham could risk internal disagreements at the top if consensus isn’t reached.
Thomas Frank to have the final say in player transfers at Tottenham
For the first time in the club’s history, Tottenham will operate with two Sporting Directors overseeing transfers and negotiations. While this multi-director structure has become increasingly common across European football, it’s still somewhat unconventional for a club of Spurs’ stature — especially given the scrutiny that comes with every transfer decision. Many fans have already questioned who would hold the final authority if disagreements were to arise behind the scenes.
Thomas Frank how now cleared the air regarding that in his latest press-conference. Speaking in his pre-match presser (via Football.london), the Dane said,
“I always have the final say. You know that in the end… No, it is team work. The three of us need to agree but if one of us disagrees and it is very, very strong, it is probably not the right player.”
Frank’s comments make it clear that, while he will ultimately have the final say on transfers, decisions will still be made collaboratively. This approach makes sense — after all, it’s Frank who must integrate new signings into his system and get the best out of them on the pitch. However, the manager emphasized that each member’s input will carry weight, and Spurs will avoid pursuing a player if there isn’t unanimous agreement among Paratici, Lange, and Frank.
How the trio work together remains to be seen, but for now, this new structure represents a positive step forward. For the first time in years, Tottenham appear to be functioning like a modern, forward-thinking football club. Credit where it’s due — Spurs are intent on building on last season’s Europa League success and are clearly backing Thomas Frank to lead them toward greater heights in the coming years.
