Tottenham's sporting director Fabio Paratici returned to the club in an official capacity last month, but the Italian has disclosed how close he was to opting for a different venture earlier this year.
First hired by Daniel Levy in 2021, Paratici was initially tasked with finding José Mourinho's long-term successor. A chaotic managerial search culminated in Nuno Espírito Santo getting the job, but the current West Ham United boss lasted just ten Premier League games in the role.
Antonio Conte was subsequently appointed, allowing Paratici to team up with an old friend from Juventus. However, the director, who quickly emerged as a popular figure among supporters, found himself in trouble with the law for some of the business he conducted with the Bianconeri.
Paratici got caught up in the 'Plusvalenza' scandal and received a 30-month ban from FIFA in March 2023, forcing him to resign from his role in north London a month later. However, there was a sense that the 'Don' never really went away. He operated as a consultant to the club during his suspension, and an official comeback was seemingly inevitable upon the expiry of his ban.
Paratici was confirmed as Spurs' co-sporting director alongside Johan Lange in mid-October, with the Italian saying he was "delighted to be returning to a club that I love."
However, that isn't to say the former Juve director didn't flirt with alternative opportunities.
Fabio Paratici reveals he was 'very close to joining Milan' before Spurs return
There was a point earlier this year when it seemed as if Paratici would take a high-profile job in his homeland.
The highly-regarded director held talks with Milan over a hierarchical position, and was ready to join the Rossoneri, but the club pulled the plug on his appointment at the last, much to Paratici's surprise. He maintains that he "doesn't know" why the deal fell through.
“We were very close [to agreeing a deal with Milan]," the 53-year-old told Sky Sport. "Then, if the marriage wasn’t completely concluded, I don’t know why. Diplomatic? No, I’m not, and I’m not getting any better at it. But I can’t stand there wondering why, after everything I’ve been through, if this influenced a club’s decisions.”
A rather messy situation culminated in Milan appointing long-time Lazio director Igli Tare instead.
Paratici thus remained in touch with the Lilywhites before joining forces with Lange in N17. There's hope that their combination of skills will prove fruitful in the market, with the Italian's eye and Dane's number-crunching potentially combining the great effect.
That relationship will endure its first proper test when the January transfer window rolls around, with supporters keen for Paratici to dip his toe into a familiar well this winter.