Tottenham Hotspur have intensified their search for a new sporting director following the departure of Fabio Paratici (who left for Fiorentina last month). The club has conducted background checks on several potential candidates through external sources, with Paul Winstanley and Dougie Freedman among those under consideration.
This development was first reported by The Telegraph (via journalist Matt Law) on March 2, 2026, and has since been widely covered across football media outlets like Sky Sports, Goal.com, and others.
Key Details on the Candidates:
Paul Winstanley: Currently serves as co-sporting director at Chelsea (joined from Brighton in 2022). He’s under contract until 2031 and is not expected to leave Stamford Bridge anytime soon. His track record includes key signings like Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Estevao, and Joao Pedro, plus involvement in managerial appointments (e.g., Enzo Maresca).
Dougie Freedman: Previously the sporting director at Crystal Palace, where he was praised for recruiting talents such as Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, Marc Guehi, and Adam Wharton. He joined Saudi second-tier club Al-Diriyah last year, which could make a move less straightforward.
Tottenham are aiming to appoint someone long-term to lead their football operations and recruitment strategy. The new sporting director is expected to have significant input on the next permanent head coach appointment ahead of the 2026-27 season. Current interim structures (including Johan Lange) have been in place, but the club wants a more permanent solution.
This comes amid broader challenges for Spurs, including reports of potential wage cuts if relegation looms and ongoing managerial uncertainty (with interim arrangements in place). No appointments have been confirmed yet, and hurdles remain—particularly with Winstanley’s long-term Chelsea deal. The process appears ongoing, with other unnamed candidates also in the mix.
For fans, this could signal a push to strengthen the club’s structure after a turbulent period.
Our view:
I’ve no faith in this lot to make a good hire – in any respect, they simply suck at running a football club.