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Dele Alli released by Como on deadline day as statement released after contract terminated

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Dele Alli has left Como with his contract being terminated.

The 29-year-old departs the Serie A side after just eight months in Italy.

During that time, Alli only made one appearance under Cesc Fabregas last season.

However, his cameo off the bench against AC Milan in March ended after just nine minutes as he was shown a straight red card.

Despite being named on the bench multiple times during the final weeks of the campaign he failed to make another appearance.

Reports earlier in the summer claimed Alli was no longer in Fabregas' plans at Como.

They have now been confirmed as the former England international leaves the club with ten months remaining on his deal.

A joint statement from Alli and Como read: "Como 1907 and Dele Alli have agreed to a mutual termination of his contract.

"Dele is keen to secure regular playing opportunities and, as he was not part of the club’s immediate plans, both parties felt it was the right decision to part ways ahead of the transfer window closing.

"The club thanks Dele for his time at Como and wishes him the very best for the future."

Alli had penned a contract through to the end of this season with the option of a further year.

It was also claimed last month that Alli had been considering retirement after his exile from the Como first-team.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, he was one of a number of players following their own training schedule during pre-season.

The decision not to include Alli in his plans appeared to be a U-turn by Fabregas after previous comments about his future.

Having not played the ex-Tottenham Hotspur man since the red card against Milan, the Spaniard gave an update in May.

Speaking before a match against Parma, he revealed: "I play those who train well and earn a spot during the week.

"Dele Alli needs to keep working. He had his chance in Milan, but was sent off and then got injured. When the right time comes, it just comes."

Prior to Alli's Como debut, he had not made a competitive appearance for more than two years.

His loan spell at Turkish club Besiktas during the 2022/23 season was ended abruptly by a muscle injury.

Despite undergoing treatment on the issue after returning to Everton and training with the Toffees, he was unable to regain full fitness.

As a result, Alli departed the Merseyside club as a free agent when his contract expired at the end of June 2024.

The two-time PFA Young Player of the Year has 194 Premier League appearances to his name for Spurs and Everton, scoring 51 goals and providing 35 assists.

He has also scored three goals in 37 caps for the Three Lions since making his debut aged 19 in 2015.

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Tottenham Hotspur sign striker loved by Premier League rival amid Dominic Solanke injury fears

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Tottenham have completed the loan signing of Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain.

The French forward joins Spurs on a deal until the end of the season with no option or obligation to buy. Kolo Muani will wear the no.39 shirt.

He becomes Thomas Frank's eighth signing of the transfer window and his second on loan after Joao Palhinha.

Spurs took their spending past the £180million mark with the arrival of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig on Friday.

Meanwhile, Kolo Muani has joined the club amid fresh injury fears surrounding Dominic Solanke.

The striker missed last weekend's defeat to Bournemouth due to an ankle issue.

Frank confirmed it is a re-occurrence of the injury which hampered Solanke's pre-season campaign.

He is currently being assessed by the club's medical team but could return against West Ham after the international break.

As for Kolo Muani, the 26-year-old has nine goals in 31 caps for France.

His arrival in north London follows a loan spell at Juventus during the second half of last season.

Across his time in Italy, he scored ten goals in 22 appearances for the Serie A side.

Kolo Muani also received a Champions League winners medal after featuring four times in the competition for PSG before his January loan switch.

That trophy joins a pair of league titles and a French Cup triumph during his time with the club.

Where is Kolo Muani's best position?

The former Frankfurt star is capable of playing across the front three, but is most effective as a striker according to Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

They previously worked together at the German club, with Kolo Muani scoring 23 goals and adding 20 assists in 46 matches under the Austrian coach.

Following his move to PSG in 2023, Glasner spoke to L'Equipe and said: "For me, he isn’t a wide player. The conventional winger is Ousmane Dembele.

"I needed to see a Kolo Muani who scored goals, and out wide, he made lots of assists, but he scored very little.

"So he needed to be in the middle. But you can’t ask him to be static. I don’t think he’s at his best like that.

"He isn’t a physical striker like Olivier Giroud for example, he needs to use his pace. He is very intelligent with his movement, he also improved a lot with his left foot last season."

Glasner had previously hailed Kolo Muani's attitude just six months into his time at Frankfurt.

He explained: "We [signed] him because we saw great potential in him. We saw instantly that he was really quick.

"He listens and tries things on the pitch, plus he’s a great boy. He’s not 17 anymore, he’s 23 so he’s at a good footballing age.

"It’s not that surprising that he is so able. That he's playing such a crucial, formative role, on the other hand, perhaps is [surprising] but he deserves that due to his performances."

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Lucas Paqueta could sit out West Ham game as new Premier League club enter transfer race

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Lucas Paqueta wanted by new Premier League club after Tottenham interest - talkSPORT
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Lucas Paqueta could sit out of West Ham's trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday amid speculation over his future, talkSPORT understands.

Aston Villa entered the race to sign Paqueta earlier on Saturday.

West Ham do not ideally want to sell Paqueta but they would listen to offers of £60million or above.

The Brazilian has played every minute of the season so far for the Hammers, scoring two goals in three games.

He is a key part of his side's line-up and manager Graham Potter is reluctant to lose one of his star men.

But Villa could potentially make a move for Paqueta as they look to add some more creativity to their squad.

Unai Emery's side have not scored in their opening two Premier League outings, of which they have lost one and drawn one.

They also said goodbye to Jacob Ramsey as their academy product joined Newcastle, leaving them with one less midfield option.

Villa look to be eyeing a move for Paqueta after Tottenham's interest in the 28-year-old Brazil international.

As reported exclusively in talkSPORT's transfer notebook, Spurs are also admirers of Paqueta.

talkSPORT understands that he has been a player of interest for last season's Europa League winners.

But Thomas Frank may be less interested now after signing his new No.10 in Xavi Simons following Arsenal's Eberechi Eze hijack.

Despite the interest though, Paqueta is understood not to be actively pushing for a move away from West Ham, as the club stuck with him whilst he was being investigated for spot fixing.

Hammers' nightmare to continue?

Losing Paqueta before Monday's deadline would make West Ham's nightmare start to the season even worse.

Potter's side have been beaten in all three of their outings this season so far, losing their first two league games.

Newly-promoted Sunderland claimed a 3-0 win on the opening weekend, while Chelsea thrashed then them 5-1.

West Ham were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in midweek too, losing 3-2 against top-flight rivals Wolves.

And it was after that defeat that club captain Jarrod Bowen had to be held back from confronting a Hammers fan at Molineux.

It means that West Ham have conceded 11 goals in just those three games, with things going wrong on and off the pitch.

On top of that, they have already lost one of their stars this summer, with Mohammed Kudus joining Spurs.

Kudus, Bowen and Paqueta have been key for the Hammers, but they could potentially now lose two of that star trio.

The transfer deadline is set for 7pm on Monday night.

West Ham have already made seven signings in the window, including their newest arrivals Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa have only added three new faces to their side - Evan Guessand, Yasin Ozcan and Marco Bizot.

Villa will hope to make that four should they make a move for Paqueta and meet West Ham's valuation.

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Tottenham enter transfer battle for Manuel Akanji in move which could derail Marc Guehi switch

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Manchester City centre-back Manuel Akanji is a transfer target for Tottenham, talkSPORT understands.

Spurs are looking to add another defender to their ranks and Man City are open to letting Akanji leave the club.

The Swiss international has two years remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

But he has not played a minute so far in the Premier League this season for Pep Guardiola's side.

And it appears that he could be set for an exit ahead of the transfer deadline on Monday night.

Akanji joined Man City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and he has gone on to make 158 appearances in all competitions.

However, with Tottenham now interested, the two-time Premier League champion could make a move.

Thomas Frank is eyeing another centre-back to add some extra quality to his already large collection of defenders.

Akanji would join club captain Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin as options in the centre of defence.

Dragusin is currently working back to fitness following an ACL injury though, while Ben Davies has not featured his season.

Frank experimented with a back five in the UEFA Super Cup and that could be in his thinking for the future, with Akanji a target.

However, it may not be a straightforward deal to get done...

Battle begins

Tottenham are not the only Premier League side looking at signing Akanji before the deadline.

talkSPORT understands Crystal Palace are also interested.

Palace have identified the 30-year-old as a potential replacement for Marc Guehi should he depart Selhurst Park.

Liverpool remain interested in Guehi, who is now into his final year of his deal with the Eagles.

Manager Oliver Glasner has been reluctant to let his centre-back go after selling star man Eberechi Eze to Arsenal.

But it appears Palace are looking at options to replace him should he leave, with Spurs now providing some competition.

Simons to sign

Should Akanji join Tottenham, he would become their second late signing in this summer transfer window.

talkSPORT understands that Spurs are set to sign Xavi Simons.

RB Leipzig's Simons is on the brink of heading to the Premier League in a deal worth £51.8million.

The Dutchman has completed his medical in north London after arriving from Germany on Thursday.

His move comes following heavy interest from Chelsea, who had agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old.

A club-to-club agreement couldn't be reached though, meaning Spurs have been able to swoop in and make the approach.

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Tottenham to complete Xavi Simons transfer despite weeks of Chelsea talks

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Tottenham are set to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, talkSPORT understands.

The Dutchman is on course to join the Europa League winners in a deal worth €60million [£51.8m].

Simons arrived in London on Thursday to finalise his future amid summer-long interest from Chelsea.

He agreed personal terms with the Blues, but a club-to-club agreement was never struck with Leipzig.

talkSPORT understands Simons has now completed a medical with Tottenham.

Agreements are firmly in place with both Simons and Leipzig, with just the finer details to be ironed out over the next 24 hours.

Simons scored 22 goals and assisted another 24 for Leipzig across 78 appearances.

The versatile attacker joins Mohammed Kudus as another big-name signing for Spurs, although they were hijacked by Arsenal in their bid to get Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.

What next for Chelsea?

Chelsea, meanwhile, struck a £40m deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United on Thursday.

And the Blues could now turn their attention to Fermin Lopez of Barcelona.

talkSPORT reported their interest in the Spaniard earlier in the week, although they have not yet made a bid.

Lopez has 19 goals and 11 assists to his name at Barca and earned two caps with the Spanish national team.

talkSPORT understands that Chelsea held further talks with Lopez on Thursday, and he has spoken to head coach Enzo Maresca.

Nothing is close or guaranteed just yet, but Chelsea are still seriously interested eyeing in a move.

Barcelona want in excess of €60m [£51.8m] and initial contact between the clubs has taken place.

Lopez could join players including Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Garnacho as fresh attacking signings at Stamford Bridge.

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Man United killers Grimsby rewarded with club on the brink as Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham learn fate

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Grimsby Town have been rewarded with a favourable Carabao Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday after downing Manchester United.

The League Two side knocked the Premier League giants out of the League Cup in the second round with a historic penalty shoot-out win.

As a reward they will travel to Wednesday, who are in disarray amid ownership turmoil.

The Sheffield side may be in the Championship, but Grimsby will certainly be eyeing another cupset against a team under numerous transfer embargoes and a threadbare squad.

As for the Premier League's giants, holders Newcastle will be very happy with a home tie against League One Bradford City.

Top flight champions Liverpool host the recently relegated Southampton, while Arsenal travel to Port Vale and Chelsea go to Lincoln City.

Tottenham host Doncaster Rovers and Manchester City take on Huddersfield.

Elsewhere there's a must-watch clash between FA Cup winners Crystal Palace and Championship outfit Millwall.

The two London sides met in last season's FA Cup and there was anger during and after the game when Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts kicked Jean-Philippe Mateta in the head.

The red card dominated headlines and Mateta required 26 stitches and ear surgery.

Grimsby are undoubtedly the story of the cup so far though, and Wednesday will certainly be wary after what happened against United.

The hosts took the lead through Charles Vernam in the 22nd minute when he found a way through the near post of a hapless Andre Onana.

The United goalkeeper then made an even bigger offence when he came out to tackle a ball into the box and failed, leading to a goal-line scramble and tap in.

Amorim made three changes at the break, but the game was neutralised as an attacking affair by a deluge of rain.

But when it finally subsided, the visitors took the impetus with a tidy Bryan Mbeumo finish.

The game was even from that point onwards until Harry Maguire stepped up with a header in the 89th minute of the match.

Penalties were next up, and after 18 minutes of toing and froing, Mbeumo smashed his second attempt off the crossbar for a 12-11 Grimsby win.

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Tottenham Hotspur eye ex-Premier League forward and plot hijack of Chelsea move for £50m-rated star

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Tottenham Hotspur are looking to sign two attackers between now and the end of the summer transfer window, talkSPORT understands.

Xavi Simons is one option who is being actively considered, with Spurs looking to hijack Chelsea's deal for the RB Leipzig playmaker.

The 22-year-old Dutch attacker has already agreed terms with the Blues, but no club-to-club agreement is in place.

Leipzig paid Paris Saint-Germain €45million (around £39m) in January with a further €25m (around £21m) in add-ons agreed, but not all of these have been paid, leading Chelsea to try and strike a deal for closer to £50m.

talkSPORT understands the German side are hoping for £60m, who would welcome another bidding war for one of their stars.

Earlier this month, they pitted Manchester United against Newcastle for forward Benjamin Sesko, who is now at Old Trafford.

Simons wants to leave the club this summer and is understood to be open to Spurs even though Chelsea has been his long-standing preference all summer.

The north Londoners are also keen on Ademola Lookman in a move driven by consultant Fabio Paratici, who will return to the club full time once the window ends.

Lookman is pushing to leave Atalanta, after issuing a strong statement earlier this summer where he accused the club of blocking his exit.

Inter Milan made a bid in the region of £38m for the ex-Fulham and Leicester man, but are not expected to make an improved offer.

The forward is held in high regard by Tottenham having scored 20 goals in all competitions for the Serie A outfit last season.

Beyond this, Spurs would ideally still like to sign Savinho, but are aware of Manchester City's refusal to alter their not-for-sale stance.

As a result, they are not expected to return with a new proposal for the Brazilian, with a potential transfer, even one in excess of €70m (£60.7m), being blocked by senior board members at City.

This is because there is an internal feeling among the Citizens that selling Savinho would be a mistake at any price.

The club are keen to avoid a repeat scenario like Cole Palmer's 2023 exit for Chelsea, which has seen the England international become of the Premier League's standout performers since leaving.

Tottenham have also discussed raiding West Ham again for Lucas Paqueta, having already signed Mohammed Kudus for £55m.

West Ham would prefer to keep Paqueta, making a transfer difficult in the final days of the window, with the Hammers focused instead on bringing players into the club.

Among the other names being considered by Spurs are Lyon's Malick Fofana, Monaco's Maghes Aklouche and Leicester's Bilal El Khannous.

However, they are yet to make a formal approach for any of these three targets.

El Khannous was subject of a bid from Crystal Palace with a view to replacing Arsenal-bound Eberechi Eze, but Leicester City's £35m asking price was deemed too high.

Meanwhile, Everton made an offer earlier in the window for Fofana, but talkSPORT understands the 20-year-old Belgian is holding out for a club with Champions League football.

While Tottenham also appreciate Morgan Rogers, it is thought that Aston Villa are unlikely to consider a sale this summer.

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'My lowest point' - Grimsby Town shocked Premier League giants leaving manager devastated

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Grimsby Town know exactly what it takes to pull off a major cup shock against a Premier League giant...

The Mariners host Manchester United in the Carabao Cup tonight, live on talkSPORT, looking to upset the Red Devils.

Currently fourth in League Two, Grimsby face Man United, who are 16th in the Premier League after two games.

That means 55 places separate the two clubs in English football, and United, of course, head into the game as major favourites.

Ruben Amorim's side are six-time League Cup winners and they are looking to win their first trophy since the FA Cup in 2024.

The Red Devils are still waiting for their first win of the season though, following a draw and a defeat in the Premier League.

And that, combined with their overall form under Amorim, is sure to provide some motivation for Grimsby.

The Mariners, who are yet to lose this season, are ready to pull off a 'cupset' and relive some fond memories from 20 years ago.

In 2005, Tottenham Hotspur fell to a shock defeat at Blundell Park.

Grimsby secured a famous victory against Spurs in the Carling Cup, beating them 1-0 thanks to Jean-Paul Kamudimba Kalala.

Summer signing Kamudimba Kalala scored with just two minutes to play in the tie to dump out their Premier League opposition.

Tottenham's side included stars such as Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane, Jermaine Jenas, Andy Reid and Aaron Lennon.

But despite that strong line-up, they couldn't get the job done and were eliminated by a team three divisions below them.

Blundell Park, which will play host to Grimsby's clash with Man United too, was packed full with 8,200 fans in attendance.

Spurs and their stars just couldn't get going, with Keane and Defoe failing to take their chances against a strong defence.

And at the other end, the Mariners found their winner in the dying moments through midfielder Kalala.

The Democratic Republic of Congo international was waiting on the edge of the box when a corner was cleared out towards him.

He then pulled off a brilliant volley to beat England goalkeeper Paul Robinson and secure a historic win for League Two Grimsby.

'My lowest point'

It was a result that left manager Martin Jol devastated and he apologised to the travelling fans for the shock defeat.

The Spurs boss looked back on the embarrassing loss post-match.

Jol said: “We lacked the extra quality. The front two need to run and exploit the space, but we didn’t do this.

"For me, this is my lowest point as a manager over here.”

"It was amazing to see so many Spurs fans at Grimsby," he added. "I hate losing because I don’t want to disappoint the supporters who are so loyal and follow us everywhere.

“We have to learn from that defeat. All our fans deserve better than we gave them last night and that’s something we all regret.”

Helping hand

Following Grimsby's famous win, game-winner Kalala revealed that he was told about Tottenham's plans ahead of the fixture.

Spurs defender Noé Pamarot had let his close friend know his team's line-up and boss Jol's ambitions for the competition.

“Noé told me that their manager wanted to win the Carling Cup and that he would play a strong team," he revealed to The Times.

"So it was no surprise to me when I saw all these great players come out onto the pitch.

“I think that helped me prepare for the game, but I could never have imagined I would end up scoring the winning goal against a team like Tottenham."

Kalala admitted that finding out that news aided him, which surely left Jol even more embarrassed after one of Spurs' own, seemingly helped their opposition to go on to achieve an upset.

Another giant-killing?

Tonight, Grimsby are looking to pull off another spectacular feat in the Carabao Cup second round against Man United.

They host the Red Devils at Blundell Park with kick-off at 8pm.

talkSPORT will have live coverage of all the action on the coast.

Natalie Sawyer will be your host, with commentary coming from Jim Proudfoot and former England striker Dean Ashton.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

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Tottenham player loved by Ange Postecoglou set for Galatasaray move after being left in cold by Thomas Frank

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Yves Bissouma is set to leave Tottenham and join Galatasaray on loan with an obligation to buy, talkSPORT understands.

The midfielder will leave the north London side three years after his £30million move from Brighton.

Bissouma hasn't made a single appearance this season for Spurs, who are now under Thomas Frank.

He missed their Super Cup final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain due to ill-discipline having been late 'several times'.

"This time was just one too many," Frank said in his press conference.

"With everything you need to give your players a lot of love and there needs to be demands and consequences."

During former boss Ange Postecoglou's tenure, the 28-year-old was a regular for Spurs as he made 72 appearances in all competitions.

When Postecoglou was sacked in June, Bissouma revealed a text exchange to show the bond they had across two seasons together.

Postecoglou and Bissouma's relationship

"Hi Biss. Sorry I missed your call," Postecoglou said. "I am very proud of you. It was an honour to share a dressing room with you and appreciate how much you believed in what we were trying to achieve.

"I wish you only the best for the future. I will always be following. Much love from my family to yours."

Bissouma then gave a heartwarming response to the Australian.

"Thank you gaffer and thank you really much for everything you did for me on and off the pitch, I'll always be grateful," he said.

Bissouma will join a Galatasaray side who sit top of the Turkish Super Lig with three wins from their opening three fixtures.

His former Spurs teammate Davinson Sanchez plays for the club, as do ex-Premier League midfielders Lucas Torreira and Mario Lemina.

Spurs have plenty of midfield options, with Joao Palhinha a new arrival on loan from Bayern Munich.

Palhinha has joined Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur as options for Frank.

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Fabio Paratici agrees Tottenham Hotspur return after 30-month ban

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Fabio Paratici has agreed to return to Tottenham Hotspur, talkSPORT understands.

However, Spurs insist Paratici is currently working on a consultancy basis and suggestions he is set to return in a formal role are hypothetical at this stage.

talkSPORT understands an agreement is already in place for him to start in an official role starting no later than October 1.

talkSPORT first reported in May that Paratici was likely to make a return to Spurs, with talks ongoing.

The 53-year-old left the club after being banned from football for 30 months in January 2023, with his former side Juventus found guilty of false accounting.

But he returned to work as a consultant to the north London outfit earlier than expected after FIFA reduced his suspension.

Paratici has been working with Tottenham this summer, and has been in constant contact with chairman Daniel Levy, new CEO Venkatesham and technical director Johan Lange.

However, he will now resume his old role overseeing recruitment at the club.

Paratici's signings from his first spell at the club include now club captain Cristian Romero, Richarlison, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur and Destiny Udogie.

His ban ended on July 1 and discussions were already taking place over bringing the Italian back to the club this summer.

He was linked to AC Milan earlier this year too, having been tipped to become their new sporting director.

It's understood that he met with the Rossoneri on multiple occasions, but the club opted to appoint Igli Tare instead.

Why did Paratici get banned?

Paratici was originally only banned from football in Italy after Juventus were found guilty of false accounting.

He was one of 11 former Juve executives who received bans.

The 53-year-old was a sporting director and managing director at the Serie A giants before he went on to join Tottenham in 2021.

In November 2022, Juve's entire board, including president Andrea Agnelli and vice-president Pavel Nedved, stepped down.

That was due to a police investigation into their transfer activity and eventually, the club were deducted 15 points.

FIFA bans were handed out before that, and despite an appeal, Paratici's suspension was upheld in April 2023.

Who did Paratici sign at Spurs?

As mentioned, Spurs signed many of their current starting players whilst Paratici was at the club.

Romero, Richarlison, Kulusevski, Bentancur and Udogie all arrived in north London whilst he was managing director.

Other players to join during his tenure include Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr, Djed Spence and Pedro Porro.

All of those players can certainly be considered as impressive buys, but there were some other less successful arrivals, with Emerson Royal and Bryan Gil costing over £50million combined.

In total, Spurs' spending reached over £300m under Paratici - Richarlison being the most expensive signing at £60m.

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