Tottenham appoint Aston Villa’s Johan Lange as their new technical director

Johan Lange has been appointed as Tottenham’s new technical director, replacing Fabio Paratici as the club’s key figure in recruitment.

The 43-year-old Dane will begin his role at Spurs on 1 November, having performed a similar role as the sporting director of Aston Villa since the summer of 2020. Lange’s role has changed at Villa Park this season following the arrival of Monchi from Sevilla as president of football operations.

“We are delighted to announce that Johan Lange has been appointed Technical Director with effect from 1 November, 2023,” a club statement said. “Lange will have responsibility for recruitment, analytics and talent identification across our senior and academy teams.”

The club’s chief football officer, Scott Munn, said: “Johan has demonstrated an excellent track record of scouting and signing many talented and successful youth and senior players. He is a welcome addition as we strengthen our football operations.”

Aston Villa have confirmed Lange’s departure, with Matthew Kidson replacing him as the club’s director of global development in a new youth development structure overseen by Monchi. Lange “departs with the best wishes and gratitude of everyone here for his commitment and service during his time,” a statement said.

Johan Lange (left) at the unveiling of Steven Gerrard as Aston Villa manager in November 2021. Photograph: Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC/Getty Images

Paratici resigned from his role as Tottenham’s managing director of football in April after losing an appeal in Italy against his 30-month ban from the game – punishment for his role in alleged false accounting at his previous club, Juventus. Paratici and his former club have denied any wrongdoing.

The Italian’s departure compounded a difficult season on and off the pitch for Tottenham, but the team have been rejuvenated under Ange Postecoglou this season. Spurs go into the international break top of the Premier League table, unbeaten in eight games and ahead of local rivals Arsenal on goals scored.

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Lange was previously the technical director at Copenhagen for six years, and also had a brief spell at Wolves as Stale Solbakken’s assistant in 2012. He brought a number of key first-team players to Villa Park during his tenure including Ollie Watkins, Matty Cash and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.