Tottenham in talks with Johan Lange for director of football role

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly engaged in preliminary discussions with Johan Lange for their vacant director of football position, according to The Athletic. 

This development comes following Fabio Paratici’s resignation in April, on the heels of his FIFA-imposed ban from all football-related activities.

Paratici’s exit was prompted by a 30-month ban handed down by FIFA, subsequently partially reduced on appeal.

The punishment stemmed from his involvement in a case from his time at Serie A giants Juventus involving alleged capital gains inflation in player transfers. 

Tottenham are interested in Lange as they seek a credible successor for the pivotal role.

Internal discussions regarding Lange’s departure from Aston Villa have taken place, but no formal agreement has been reached. 

The 43-year-old is currently the global director of football development and international academies at Villa.

He assumed the position in June as part of the club’s internal restructuring, which saw Monchi take on the role of president of football operations.

Lange previously held the position of sporting director at Villa since 2020. 

Before his stint at Villa Park, Lange served as the technical director at Copenhagen, a role he held from May 2014 to July 2020. 

During his tenure, Lange was instrumental in improving recruitment and orchestrating key signings such as Ollie Watkins, Matty Cash and Emiliano Martinez.

If the negotiations between Tottenham and Lange prove fruitful, he would report directly to Scott Munn, who recently assumed the role of chief football officer at Spurs after leaving his position as chief executive of City Football Group (CFG) China. 

Munn will oversee all aspects of the club’s footballing departments, including the academy and the women’s team.

His role is akin to that of CFG’s chief operating officer, Omar Berrada. The director of football would be responsible for player deals, much like Txiki Begiristain at Manchester City.