View: Each of Fabio Paratici’s Tottenham signings rated out of 10
By Ben Wylie
Following the announcement that Fabio Paratici’s worldwide ban remains in place, the Italian has now officially parted ways with Tottenham.
Spurs fans were optimistic that owing to Juventus’ 15-point deduction being rescinded, Paratici’s 30-month ban from football may also be overturned, however, that hasn’t been the case.
As consequence, and as confirmed by a club statement this morning (21 April) on the club’s social platforms, Paratici has left the club with immediate effect.
Having been Tottenham’s sporting director since the summer of 2021, the Italian has been a powerful presence at the club ever since, being largely responsible for the appointment of Antonio Conte as well as the club’s recent transfer activity.
As an expert of Italian football, Paratici saw Spurs make several shrewd moves during his time at N17, and regardless of recent events, his imprint will be on the side for years to come.
With that in mind, let’s take a look back at each of the Italian’s signings and give them a rating out of 10.
Bryan Gil – 4/10
Signed at just 20 years old, Tottenham fans are still waiting to see the promise those in Spain saw in Gil.
The winger has struggled to make his mark in England, often looking too lightweight for the Premier League; yet to score in a Spurs shirt with just two assists in 31 games.
Granted, there’s still for Gil to come good; however, Tottenham couldn’t be blamed for cutting their losses and moving the Spaniard on.
Emerson Royal – 5/10
Love him or hate him, Tottenham fans will remember Emerson Royal for a long time.
From his no-look disaster passes to the odd Cafu-esque performance, Royal has certainly been through the mill at Spurs, being one of the more divisive players in the squad.
In fairness, as a right back by trade, Royal has been predominantly played out of position, but even then his performances have been poor, losing possession too often at a rate of 9.5 times per game (SofaScore).
Pape Matar Sarr – 6.5/10
Having spent last season on loan at former club Metz, it’s only this campaign Spurs fans are seeing the promise shown in Sarr.
The midfielder has appeared 11 times this season, impressing on each occasion and even putting in a man-of-the-match performance against Portsmouth in the FA Cup.
Still just 20 years old, Sarr is one for the future, but in helping Tottenham fend off several of Europe’s top clubs for yhis signing from Paratici could have left his mark on the team for years to come.
Cristian Romero – 9/10
Undoubtedly the best signing during Paratici’s first window at N17, Romero didn’t take long to capture the hearts of Spurs fans.
Quickly dubbed a Rolls Royce, the Argentinian World Cup winner was imperious last season, and whilst he isn’t quite reaching the same loft heights in 2022/23 he’s still the club’s best defender.
Romero averages an impressive 2.5 tackles, 1.4 clearances and 3.3 tackles per game; terrorising attackers up and down the country with his aggressive, front-footed defending (SofaScore).
If Levy can help it, Romero will sit at the heart of Spurs’ defence for the foreseeable future and is certainly in with a shout at being Paratici’s best acquisition.
Pierluigi Gollini – 1/10
From zero to hero, Gollini’s fleeting cameo at Spurs is so forgetful it wasn’t.
Arriving alongside Romero from Atalanta, the keeper made just 10 appearances for Spurs during which time he conceded 11 goals and kept two clean sheets.
Fans will remember Gollini for his poor performance in the Carabao Cup semi-final, as he controversially got the nod over Hugo Lloris only to concede a poor goal from a corner.
Put simply, this was not Paratici’s best move – his worst in fact.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 8/10
Arriving alongside the upcoming Dejan Kulusevski in the 2022 winter window, Bentancur helped propel Spurs’ to a top-four finish.
The Uruguayan’s calmness and composure in the middle of the park can often leave fans with their heart in their mouths, but his elegance on the ball is a sight to behold.
Despite being injured since mid-February, Bentancur’s performance has been so profound this season they’ve earned him a team of the season nomination, not bad for a £17m January panic buy.
Dejan Kulusevski – 8/10
Similar to Bentancur, Kulusevski’s arrival was transformative for Tottenham in 2021/22, as the winger formed a deadly trio alongside Harry Kane and Heung Min-Son.
The Swede notched an impressive five goals and eight assists in 18 Premier League appearances last season, and whilst he’s cooled off a bit this campaign, at just 22 there’s plenty of time for him to rediscover his form (SofaScore).
Again, if Levy can help it, Kulusevski will be another who remains at N17 in the long term, so strong signing from Paratici.
Richarlison – 6/10
Richlarlison’s arrival at the start of the season looked to be a statement moment for Tottenham, but zero goals and 20 Premier League games later that’s hardly been the case.
Granted, injuries have played their part this season, as well as the electrifying form of Harry Kane, but fans still expected more from the Brazilian.
However, Richarlison remains a capable Premier League forward, and it’s hopeful his form can turn around next season, with xG placing forward on 2.34 goals this campaign – hardly impressive but at least off the mark (SofaScore).
Ivan Perisic – 6.5/10
In landing Perisic, it seemed as though Conte and Paratici had broken Levy’s long-standing youth-orientated transfer policy, finally signing a veteran player who could offer an instant impact.
The Croatian has been decent thus far, with one goal and seven assists in the Premier League, however, with Conte now away from the club it’s hard to see Perisic sticking around after the summer.
Credit where credit’s due, at the time, this one looked to be a shrewd pickup, and for a season it arguably has been, but it perhaps lacks the longevity of Paratici’s other signings.
Yves Bissouma – 6/10
When the news broke of Yves Bissouma’s arrival at Tottenham, fans rejoiced in welcoming an experience, ready-made, high-quality midfielder.
However, the Malian has struggled to bed himself into the side, and moreover in Conte’s system, playing just over 1’000 minutes this season in all competitions (Transfermarkt).
Injury means Bissuoma likely won’t feature again this season, but with a fresh start under a new coach, 2023/24 could well see him kick on and rediscover the form that saw him so highly rated at Brighton.
Destiny Udogie – 6/10
Spurs fans are yet to see Destiny Udogie in action, as since signing for Tottenham the Italian has remained on loan at former club Udinese.
However, if his reputation is anything to go by, the Italian will fast-become a fan favourite, being one the Serie A’s most well-thought-of youngsters, boasting an impressive record of eight goals and six assists in his last two league campaigns, so again, Paratici may have left a lasting legacy with this one (Transfermarkt).
Djed Spence – 5/10
Whilst Paratici was at the club when Spence signed, it’s hard to consider the Englishman as anything more than a Levy acquisition.
The right-back impressed on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, scoring twice and getting five assists as they earned promotion to the Premier League; however, he struggled to break into Conte’s Tottenham team.
Spence is another who could well flourish under another manager, so in truth the juries still out on this one.
Fraser Forster – 7/10
When Forster arrived in the summer, it was expected he would only pick up a handful of appearances for Tottenham, but an injury to Hugo Lloris has thrust the Englishman into the team.
The keeper has played 15 games for Spurs this season, keeping a sound five clean sheets in that time having acted as an able deputy to the club captain (Transfermarkt).
It’s hardly the most glamourous singing, but as a free transfer, Forster has certainly proved his worth.
Clement Lenglet – 7/10
Entering the summer transfer window, a centreback was perhaps top priority for Spurs, so in truth, the arrival of Lenglet on loan was a tad underwhelming.
That being said, the Frenchman has become a mainstay in the side, averaging a respectable 1.5 tackles and 1.9 clearances per 90 – as well as impressing with his strong range of passing (SofaScore).
Whether or not he remains at Spurs next season remains to be seen, but as a short-term loan move, Lenglet has been an astute pickup.
Pedro Porro – 7/10
Tottenham their attempt to lure Porro to N17 in January a secret, engaging in a cat-and-mouse-like game with Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon.
Spurs finally got their man on deadline day, gifting Conte the readymade right wing back he’d been crying out for, but the Italian left the club just a few weeks later.
In his eight Premier League appearances thus far, Porro has picked up a goal and an assist, and at just 23 remains a promising prospect for the future.
Arnaut Danjuma – 3/10
The last of Paratici’s signings at Tottenham, Spurs fans have seen worryingly little of Danjuma thus far.
A debut goal against Preston North End set the Dutchman up for a fine few months at N17, but since then has made only four more appearances totalling just 72 minutes (Transfermarkt).
If that is to be Danjuma’s contribution at Spurs, it will be remembered as a disappointing loan move for all involved, as the forward arrived with a fine reputation.
In other Tottenham news, Spurs Women announce a new deal for defender Molly Bartrip