Pressure mounts on Tottenham to confirm signing of talent-sourcing mastermind
By Gary Pearson
A lot is riding on signing Paratici
A lot is riding on Paratici joining Spurs, especially after the sporting director’s compatriot dropped out of the running. Paratici will be the mastermind of the most crucial off-pitch decisions, including taking the lead on recruitment.
The Italian’s rise to prominence was in large part thanks to his eye for diamonds in the rough. A middling professional footballer in his playing days, Paratici spent a lot of time in the lower Italian divisions. He built a rare and invaluable nous for spotting talent. Just as impressively, Paratici acts with conviction to fulfill a budding player’s potential.
A quasi-scout, Paratici, even after signing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo for €112m in 2018 and Matthijs de Ligt for €84m in 2019, is most proud of bringing Andrea Barzagli to Juventus for just over £250,000 in 2011. Barzagli became an integral figure in helping Paratici win 19 trophies in 11 seasons with Juventus.
"“If I have to pick one, I go for [Andrea] Barzagli,” Paratici said in his farewell press conference at Juventus. “He spent many years with us and he was massively underrated by many. We all know how important he was and what he gave to this club.”"
Paratici was responsible for securing Paul Pogba’s free transfer in 2012, which subsequently led to the Old Lady landing both Dani Alves and Patrice Evra.
His 11-year tenure at Juventus also reinforced his capacity to thrive at a single club in the long term, precisely what Spurs require as they attempt to forge ahead with a perceived long-term rebuild.
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Supporters now wait in an uneasy state, with ever-elevating heart rates at the “imminent” prospect of landing the Italian mastermind. The club’s long-term prosperity could very well depend on Paratici putting pen to paper.