Just over two-and-a-half years after stepping down as sporting director, Fabio Paratici has returned to Tottenham Hotspur to once again oversee the North London operation.
The Italian previously held the job for two years before retiring in April 2023, but it appears he intends to pick up where he left off to help the club aim for Premier League glory.
However, this time he will be working with new manager Thomas Frank and the Dane will need to form a vital partnership with the 53-year-old to bring success to the club.
With the transfer window closed until January, the manager will not have the chance to see the fruits of the Italian’s efforts for several months, but there is no doubt that work is going on behind the scenes.
A number of players will line up alongside this duo to strengthen a team that has made a great start to the 2025-26 season with just one loss in its first nine games.
Fabio Paratici’s main contract with Spurs | |
|---|---|
player | commission |
Richarlison | £50m |
Christian Romero | £42m |
Destiny Udogie | £15 million |
Jed Spence | £20 million |
Eve Bissouma | £25m |
Pope Searle | £18m |
Dejan Kulusevski | £25m |
Rodrigo Bentancur | £20 million |
Statistics via Transfermarkt | |
But this is a dream eleven that the sporting director can build for the Lilywhites over the coming months…
1
GK – William Vicar
GK – William Vicar
The Italian has been Spurs’ number one for a number of years, but his ability in the role is not without question from the fan base.
However, he believes the 29-year-old needs to be used to protect his No. 1 shirt, having kept four clean sheets so far in the 2025/26 campaign.
2
RB – Jed Spence
RB – Jed Spence
No Spurs fan would have expected the full-back’s rise in recent months, with the 25-year-old rising from the brink of sale to becoming a consistent England international.
His rise could see Pedro Polo dropped from selection in the coming months, and Spence could even be sold if his form continues.
3
CB – Mickey van de Ven
CB – Mickey van de Ven
The Dutch international is no ordinary defender and then possesses immense speed which often saves the backline from predicaments.
His left-footed ability makes him a rare commodity in the modern game, and the 24-year-old should become a regular starter in the near future.
4
CB- Cristian Romero
CB- Cristian Romero
The second half of Spurs’ centre-back partnership was Cristian Romero, and the pairing was an unbreakable partnership that helped change their defensive record this season.
The Argentina international has earned the captain’s armband in recent weeks, further demonstrating the faith that coach Franck has shown in him.
5
LB – Destiny Udogie
LB – Destiny Udogie
Like many players last season, the Italian struggled heavily with injuries last season and was unable to make much of an impact in North London.
However, he has already made eight appearances in all competitions this season, establishing himself as the club’s first-choice left-back.
6
CDM – Joan Parinha
CDM – Joan Parinha
The Portugal international only joined the Lilywhites on loan this summer, but he has already wasted no time making a good impression and has already scored two goals for the club.
His ability to win the ball is also a big plus, as Paratici will have to exercise the buy option on his temporary contract at the end of the season.
7
CM – Lukas Bergvall
CM – Lukas Bergvall
Sweden international Lukas Bergvall, who arrived from Djurgarden last summer for just £8.5 million, could become one of the club’s best-ever signings in a few years.
Despite being just 19 years old, he has already made over 50 appearances for the club, showing that the youngster is far more talented than he was as a boy.
8
CM – Xavi Simmons
CM – Xavi Simmons
The Dutch international was one of two summer signings worth more than £50 million, but he has slowed to a slow start in north London, registering just one assist in his first seven games.
However, sympathy will need to be given to Frank as he needs to utilize the youngster in a more central role during his time in the Premier League.
9
RW – Mohamed Kudus
RW – Mohamed Kudus
Mohamed Kudus was an incredible addition to Spurs this summer and has already started the 2025/26 season in earnest, scoring one goal and providing four assists in the league.
At just 25 years old, he has plenty of time to develop further and the Ghanaian is likely to play a key role in Frank’s future success during his tenure.
10
ST – Rodrigo Muniz
ST – Rodrigo Muniz
The centre-forward position has been difficult for Spurs since Harry Kane’s departure, but the move for Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz could solve that.
The Brazilian was heavily linked with a move to the Lilywhites this summer, but that move did not materialize and Paratici will have to reconsider his contract in January.