Tottenham have paused their search for a new sporting director until the end of the summer transfer window, with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham confirming it is no longer a key priority this summer
Tottenham's pursuit of a new sporting director has been placed on hold until the conclusion of the summer transfer window, according to minutes from a recent Fan Advisory Board (FAB) meeting.
Spurs appointed Fabio Paratici last October to work alongside Johan Lange in a dual sporting director structure, but the Italian departed the Premier League club in February to return to his homeland for personal reasons.
A replacement sporting director had been earmarked for this summer, yet during a meeting with the FAB on 16 June, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham confirmed the matter was no longer an immediate priority.
Lange, head coach Roberto De Zerbi and Rafi Moersen, who has joined as director of football operations, are overseeing the club's recruitment activity during this transfer window.
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When quizzed on the sporting director search, Venkatesham stated in the FAB meeting minutes: "The club has confidence in our people, but if we find someone who can complement our existing team and make it better, we will do that at the right time (and in a summer window is not that time).
"No-one has been in a process and turned us down. Many names in the media linked with us, we have never even spoken to."
A broad range of subjects were addressed throughout the meeting. Non-executive chairman Peter Charrington and Venkatesham both described the 2025-26 season as "unacceptable" following Spurs' narrow escape from relegation courtesy of a final-day victory over Everton.
Charrington also stated that every decision taken at Tottenham was "judged by the metric, 'Does this make us a better football team?'".
In the meeting minutes, Venkatesham described the season as "unacceptable and cannot happen again", adding that "the ambition is to compete for major trophies and play the style of football our supporters want to see".
Venkatesham also mounted a robust defence of the embattled Lange, who has borne the brunt of supporter criticism following Tottenham's 17th-place finishes across both of the Dane's full seasons at the helm.
"Players are not bought or sold because 'the club' wants to or 'Roberto' wants to," he said. "Johan and his team work hand in glove with Roberto to develop and deliver a joint plan.
"Roberto joined because he believes in what we can do together as a team. He had no retention bonus, he has never asked for control over any decision-making, and he was completely committed to the club if we were relegated.
"Johan played a critical role in his appointment. Roberto was always the number one choice and we are delighted with the impact he has made so far."
It was further disclosed that newly appointed director of football operations Moersen commenced his role on 16 June, following a period of garden leave after departing City Football Group.
During the FAB meeting, Moersen outlined his responsibilities: "(My) remit includes recruitment, player transactions, infrastructure, player care and responsibility for the women's team."
Former Manchester City executive Moersen also stressed "the importance of player welfare, relationship-building and improving football outcomes" during the meeting, which took place on his first day at the club.