Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that sporting director Fabio Paratici will leave the club in February to take up a role with Italian Serie A side Fiorentina.

The 53-year-old stepped down as managing director of football in April 2023 after his appeal against a ban linked to transfer dealings and financial irregularities during his time at former club Juventus was rejected by Italy’s highest sports authority. Both Paratici and Juventus denied any wrongdoing.

After serving his ban, Paratici returned to Tottenham in October, resuming duties as sporting director alongside technical director Johan Lange.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Tottenham chief executive Vinai Venkatesham said the club had agreed to Paratici’s request to return to Italy following the January transfer window.

“We have agreed that Fabio will return to Italy following the conclusion of the January transfer window, in line with his wish to move back home,” Venkatesham said. “Our management structure is designed to be resilient to personnel changes, and it will be business as usual moving forward.”

Paratici is set to join Fiorentina, who are currently battling to move clear of the Serie A relegation places.

“I want to thank Vinai and the board of Tottenham Hotspur for accommodating my desire to return to Italy and join Fiorentina,” Paratici said. “I have loved my time at the club. However, this opportunity, together with the need to be based in my homeland, has led me to this decision.”