Whilst it may have been a quiet international break for many, the same can’t be said for Tottenham Hotspur, given the changes taking place behind the scenes.
Daniel Levy’s departure in recent weeks has seen changes being made to the higher-ups in North London, with Fabio Paratici returning after departing multiple years ago.
The Italian previously filled the Sporting Director role between 2021 and 2023, but has returned to the Lilywhites to work with John Lange and the rest of the recruitment team.
He will also work closely with Thomas Frank to help lead the club back up the Premier League table, with a real impetus being placed on the hierarchy to make the right decisions.
Big-money additions are one thing, but departures will also need to be made to free up space in the squad and make funds to attract players to take the club to the next level.
Why Richarlison is on borrowed time at Spurs
Brazilian striker Richarlison has been the manager’s first choice talisman during the first few weeks of the campaign due to injuries to other players, such as Dominic Solanke.
The 28-year-old has featured in all seven of the Lilywhites’ league outings to date, scoring on three occasions – with two goals coming on the opening day victory against Burnley.
However, since the 16th of August, he’s ultimately fallen way below the expectations of the fanbase, with his figures from his most recent outing highlighting his lack of impact.
He featured for the entirety of the Champions League clash against Bodo Glimt, but only registered ten touches of the ball – an average of one touch every nine minutes.
Minutes played
90
Touches
10
Passes completed
2
Possession lost
5
Big chances missed
1
Chances created
0
Fouls committed
1
Match rating
3/10
Along with his lack of impressive form, Richarlison has also been linked with a move to the MLS to join Orlando City – potentially handing Paratici the perfect chance to cash in on his services.
It’s unclear how much the hierarchy would recoup for his services, but it would be a great opportunity for the pair to part ways – with numerous other talents also needing to be offloaded in the near future.
The Spurs trio who are on borrowed time after Paratici’s return
The dismal finish in the Premier League last campaign highlights the need for changes across the board, with Frank only having one window to make the sales and signings he desires.
With £100m being spent on additions, it has made competition for places somewhat harder, with numerous players struggling to get into the side as of late.
Brennan Johnson is one player who cost a pretty penny back in 2023, with the club forking out £47.5m for his signature from fellow top-flight side Nottingham Forest.
Whilst he ended last season with 18 goals – the most of any player in the squad – he’s struggled to replicate such form after falling behind Mohammed Kudus in the pecking order.
In the league, he’s made four substitute appearances in a row, which could tempt Paraciti to cash in on his services whilst his stock is still at its highest.
Johnson isn’t alone in struggling for minutes, with Ben Davies another player who has been unable to force himself into Frank’s plans after his summer appointment.
The centre-back has been an unused substitute in every Premier League game of 2025/26, failing to make a single appearance in any competition to date.
Given his lack of action, it’s evident that the manager doesn’t see the 32-year-old as part of his squad going forward – which, like Johnson, could see him sold before the end of his current contract.
The third and final player who could struggle for minutes in the future is right-back Pedro Porro, that’s despite starting all but one league outing in 2025/26.
He’s been in North London since January 2023, even being brought to the club by Paratici, but the emergence of Djed Spence could see him lose his starting position.
The 25-year-old has cemented his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad in recent months after picking himself off the canvas after seemingly having no future with the Lilywhites.
As for Porro, he could be forced to make way, with the former Middlesbrough man needing the opportunity to feature regularly after Destiny Udogie’s return on the opposite flank.
If all three of the players were to be moved on in the near future, it would save the club a total of £265k-per-week – huge funds which could go towards multiple top-level talents.
Such a decision may seem harsh, but ultimately, football is a cutthroat industry with huge calls needing to be made to allow the club to push for Premier League glory.
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