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Tottenham Hotspur Appoints Carlos Raphael Moersen as Director of Football Operations

1/15/2026, 8:25:26 PM

New Role in Football Operations

Tottenham Hotspur has announced the appointment of Carlos Raphael Moersen, commonly known as Rafi, as their first Director of Football Operations. This newly created position is part of the club's strategy to establish a modern, high-performance football structure aimed at achieving long-term success. Moersen joins Tottenham from City Football Group (CFG), where he spent over a decade in senior roles, most recently as Director of Football Transactions. His official start date is set for before the summer transfer window, as he is currently on gardening leave.

Responsibilities and Strategic Focus

In his new role, Moersen will oversee football administration, player care, and training ground operations, while also joining the club’s Executive Leadership Team. A significant aspect of his responsibilities will be to manage the women’s football program, reflecting Tottenham's commitment to enhancing its women's setup. Additionally, the club is increasing investment in its academy to bolster the talent pipeline for the first team.

Sporting Director Johan Lange expressed enthusiasm about Moersen's appointment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Rafi to the Club in the newly created role of Director of Football Operations. He was the outstanding candidate from a highly competitive process and brings a wealth of experience in this critical area of our football operation.” This appointment comes in conjunction with the hiring of Dan Lewindon as Performance Director, who will join the club next month.

Context of the Appointment

Moersen's hiring follows the announcement of Fabio Paratici's departure from Tottenham at the end of January. While Moersen's role is not a direct replacement for Paratici, it is part of a broader restructuring within the club's football operations. The club aims to strengthen its football structure and support long-term success, particularly as it seeks to improve competitiveness under first-team manager Thomas Frank.

Criticism and Concerns

Despite the optimism surrounding Moersen's appointment, there are concerns regarding the club's recent leadership changes. The departure of Paratici, who played a significant role in the club's operations, raises questions about continuity and stability within the football management structure. Observers will be watching closely to see how Moersen's integration into the club unfolds, especially given the mixed outcomes of previous appointments from CFG.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “He was the outstanding candidate from a highly competitive process and brings a wealth of experience in this critical area of our football operation.” — Johan Lange, Sporting Director
  • “His appointment is an important step as we continue to strengthen our football structure and support long-term success.” — Johan Lange, Sporting Director

What's Next

As Moersen prepares to take on his new role, Tottenham Hotspur will focus on integrating him into the club's operations and enhancing its football strategy. The upcoming summer transfer window will be a critical period for Moersen as he begins to implement his vision for the club's football operations.