Fabio Paratici`s potential return to Tottenham is reportedly nearing confirmation. The Italian executive is expected to play a significant role in the search for Ange Postecoglou`s successor.
Current Spurs manager Postecoglou is widely anticipated to leave the club this summer, irrespective of the outcome of Wednesday`s Europa League final against Manchester United. This predicted departure holds even if the team achieves European success, largely due to a disappointing league season where they suffered a club record 21 defeats, finishing in 17th place.
Paratici, 52, previously served as Spurs` managing director of football from 2021 to 2023. He was compelled to step down in April 2023 after receiving a two-and-a-half-year global football ban from Fifa related to financial irregularities during his time at his former club, Juventus.
With his ban expiring at the end of next month, Paratici is clear to resume a role at Tottenham. He is expected to influence the club`s next managerial appointment, assuming there`s no sudden change of plans regarding Postecoglou following the Europa League final – a scenario deemed unlikely given the team`s poor league form.
Paratici reportedly has strong connections with Simone Inzaghi, currently coaching Inter Milan, but Inzaghi is expected to remain with the Champions League finalists next season. Another Italian link is Massimiliano Allegri, the former Juventus boss, but he is understood not to speak English and is believed to be disinclined towards a move abroad.
One Italian manager who is reportedly being considered is Francesco Farioli. The 36-year-old Ajax head coach guided his team to a 2-0 victory on the final day of the Eredivisie season, though they ultimately missed out on the title.
Farioli is a former assistant to ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and is highly regarded for his coaching ability, particularly for achieving Champions League qualification with Nice while working with limited resources and for his work in returning Ajax to the Champions League.
Other managers who reportedly remain on Tottenham`s potential candidate list include Fulham`s Marco Silva, Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace`s Oliver Glasner.
