Is Tottenham’s ownership really as serious as they claim? One former executive’s comments have sparked a fiery debate—and Thomas Frank’s response is raising even more eyebrows. After a transfer window that left fans scratching their heads, all eyes are on the Lewis family, the club’s owners, and whether they’re truly committed to Tottenham’s success. But here’s where it gets controversial: outgoing sporting director Fabio Paratici’s recent remarks about his new employers at Fiorentina have left many wondering if he was subtly criticizing the Lewis family’s approach. And this is the part most people miss: Paratici’s departure just three months into his return, coupled with his praise for Fiorentina’s ‘very serious’ owners, has fueled speculation about the dynamics behind the scenes at Spurs.
During his unveiling in Florence, Paratici, who cited personal reasons for his return to Italy, described Fiorentina’s ownership as ‘of great value.’ While he didn’t explicitly mention Tottenham, some fans and pundits interpreted this as a veiled jab at the Lewis family, especially after a January transfer window that left much to be desired. With a net spend of just £13 million, the sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35 million, and the arrival of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid for a similar fee, Tottenham’s squad felt more like a balancing act than a strategic upgrade. Adding to the frustration, the club signed 19-year-old left-back Souza from Santos for £13 million but failed to address other pressing needs, despite nine new injuries plaguing Thomas Frank’s squad—many of them long-term.
When asked about Paratici’s comments, Frank couldn’t help but laugh. ‘They have very, very serious owners,’ he said, brushing off the question with a mix of amusement and confidence. ‘I understand why you need to ask that, but I can only laugh about it. Yes, very, very serious.’ Frank’s defense of the Lewis family didn’t stop there. He argued that judging their leadership based on a single transfer window—their first in charge—was unfair. ‘Judge them after the next window and the following one,’ he urged, acknowledging the scrutiny but calling for patience. But here’s the kicker: ENIC, the investment company owned by the Lewis family, has been at Tottenham’s helm for 25 years. The recent shift to more active involvement from siblings Vivienne and Charles Lewis, along with Vivienne’s son-in-law Nick Beucher, has raised questions about whether this new generation can truly transform the club’s fortunes.
Frank, however, remains optimistic, particularly about Gallagher’s potential. ‘Conor has a lot of the bits we need to get to where we want,’ he said, praising the midfielder’s character and work rate. Gallagher’s first assist for the club—a pinpoint cross for Dominic Solanke’s stunning scorpion kick goal against Manchester City—was a glimpse of what he brings to the table. ‘He’s an excellent finisher,’ Frank added, challenging the notion that Gallagher’s technical ability is underrated. Yet, Frank admits Gallagher is still adapting to the Premier League’s pace, having previously played in La Liga. ‘I expect him to be even better when everyone knows him,’ he said.
Looking ahead, Spurs face Manchester United this Saturday, with key players like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven available, though Djed Spence’s involvement remains uncertain due to injury. Frank will face off against United’s interim boss Michael Carrick, just months after the former Tottenham midfielder interviewed him for Amazon Prime Video Sport. ‘He’s a fantastic person with an excellent career,’ Frank said, acknowledging Carrick’s experience at Middlesbrough and his potential future at United. ‘I wish him all the best—except on Saturday.’
But here’s the burning question: Are the Lewis family truly the ‘serious’ owners Tottenham needs, or is their approach falling short? Paratici’s departure and comments have opened a Pandora’s box of speculation. What do you think? Is Frank right to defend them, or is there a deeper issue at play? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
