SPURS CONFIRM FABIO PARATICI VERDICT TWO YEARS POST GLOBAL FOOTBALL BAN
Fabio Paratici returns to Tottenham as co-sporting director alongside Johan Lange. The club has reinstated the former director after his ban from Italian football was resolved.
Fabio Paratici will return to Tottenham Hotspur as co-sporting director, joining Johan Lange in that capacity.
After an unsuccessful appeal against a 30-month ban from Italian football, Paratici resigned from Tottenham in April 2023 after two years there. According to a statement released by Tottenham, "We are thrilled to welcome the return of Fabio Paratici to the club as sporting director." Johan Lange, who was elevated to the position of sporting director, will collaborate with Fabio.
"This is a component of our men's football operation's new structure, which aims to improve long-term decision-making, teamwork, and leadership in all facets of the men's and boys' game.
"They will work together to steer our men's football strategy and usher in a bold new era for the team. The club's ongoing investment in top-tier men's and women's football infrastructure, which is intended to produce consistent on-field success, includes this progression.
"With their combined experience, Johan and Fabio will make sure that every choice—from player development and paths to scouting and recruitment—is in line with the ultimate objective of creating a successful, long-lasting men's squad.
"By bringing together two seasoned leaders with complementary backgrounds and a dedication to cooperation and creativity, this alliance demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to contemporary football operations."
"I am thrilled to be back in a club that I love," Paratici said, expressing his happiness at rejoining the group. After several months of consulting with Johan, Vinai, and Thomas, I am eager to return to London and become a full-time member of the team."
"I genuinely believe we are building something special here at Tottenham Hotspur, and I am looking forward to working with Fabio as part of our new men's football system," expressed Lange, who joined Tottenham in November 2023 after previously working at Aston Villa and FC Copenhagen.
"We can look forward with confidence and positivity because we have a talented group of staff and players here at the club," he continued.
Vinai Venkatesham, who was named the club's CEO in April 2025, emphasised the importance of the change: "This is a significant change in the way we do things.
"A sporting director nowadays has a lot of responsibility, and by bringing together two outstanding leaders in Johan and Fabio, we are laying the groundwork for long-term success.
"They both have excellent football minds, complementary specialities, and proven track records. Our goal and resolve to compete at the greatest level in order to provide for our fans are reflected in this structure.
"Fabio and Johan will lead with purpose together, creating not only a competitive men's team but also a cohesive football ecosystem where every element supports our common goal of making our club a world football standard."
HOW JAMES MADDISON’S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SIGNALS A SHOCK SEASON RETURN
James Maddison returns to individual training as Igor Tudor prepares Tottenham for a vital relegation battle with Forest.
Ahead of Tottenham’s match against Nottingham Forest, manager Igor Tudor gave an update on when James Maddison might return from injury. It’s a crucial moment for Spurs as they prepare to host Forest in what could be the defining 90 minutes of Tudor’s time at the club and quite possibly a key fixture that will shape the season for both teams.
Currently separated by just one point, Tottenham and Forest are locked in a battle against relegation. A win would push Spurs four points clear of the drop zone, while a loss might drag them into the bottom three. The stakes couldn’t be clearer.
Tudor’s side heads into this game with renewed energy, surprisingly positive given the mood just two weeks ago. The draw at Anfield broke a six-game losing streak, and their recent 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, though not enough to overturn the aggregate score, brought back a sense of belief. Young players like Xavi Simons and Archie Gray impressed, while Mathys Tel kept the opposition on their toes. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric in a way fans haven’t felt for months. While the Champions League hopes are dashed, that performance has injected valuable momentum into Spurs’ survival fight.
There’s also some hopeful news on the injury front. Dominic Solanke, who missed the Atlético leg with a hip issue, might be available. His physical presence adds a different dimension to Tottenham’s attack, which Tudor will surely be glad to have.
But the most promising update came from Tudor’s comments about Maddison. The creative midfielder, sidelined since August after rupturing his ACL in a preseason friendly, has begun some individual training, spotted alongside Palhinha. Recoveries from ACL injuries are never straightforward, and the team won’t rush him back. With only seven league games left after Sunday, there’s a narrow window for his return. Still, even the possibility of Maddison getting back on the pitch—someone who can change a game with a moment of skill or a precise pass—offers a much-needed morale boost.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on Forest.
WHY BORUSSIA DORTMUND EXPECT JADON SANCHO TO SIGN FOR FREE
Unai Emery praises Jadon Sancho despite poor stats, while Dortmund free up £21m in wages to lure him back to Germany.
Borussia Dortmund really want Jadon Sancho back, and they’re hoping to get him for free from Manchester United. Sancho’s contract runs out this summer, and honestly, no one expects United to offer him a new one.
Right now, Sancho’s on loan at Aston Villa. It’s his third spell away from Old Trafford since United signed him for £73 million in 2021. His move to Villa was just a loan with no option to buy.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has hinted he might keep Sancho, but Dortmund aren’t sitting around. The Times says Dortmund didn’t chase wingers last summer because Nico Kovac liked the 3-4-2-1 formation, but now the boss has changed his mind and wants Sancho back.
If Sancho comes back, he'll need to take a hefty pay cut from his £300,000-a-week salary. Still, Dortmund’s where he made his name after moving from Manchester City in 2017.
Dortmund have room in the budget this summer; they let the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan run out. That saves them about £21 million a year, and they’re optimistic they can lure Sancho, who’s allowed to strike pre-contract deals with foreign clubs.
Sancho actually spent half of the 2024 season back at Dortmund after Erik ten Hag froze him out at United. He helped them reach the Champions League final, but nothing permanent came of it.
Something similar happened during his loan to Chelsea last season. The club even paid a £5 million penalty just to avoid having to sign him outright. Villa picked him up right at the transfer deadline in September, but, once again, he’s struggled.
So far, Sancho’s got one goal and one assist in 29 games across all competitions. Still, Emery thinks there’s more to come.
When asked in February about signing Sancho for good, Emery said, “Not yet, but he’s a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by improving within our system, like he is doing.
“He’ll need a new contract; maybe it’s here. If he plays his best football, we’ll want him. But other teams will be interested, too.”
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