Romanian defender Radu Dragusin has identified sporting director Fabio Paratici as the decisive figure behind his switch to Fiorentina, revealing that a single phone call set the transfer in motion. The centre-back, who joined the Serie A side on loan from Tottenham, said the negotiation progressed rapidly once Paratici made contact.
“I chose Fiorentina because it has a growth project,” Dragusin stated during his presentation press conference. “The negotiation started with the call from Paratici, whom I know very well. The fact that he was here had a big influence.” He added: “When I received Fiorentina’s call, we didn’t think about it much, the negotiation didn’t last long.”
Reuniting with a familiar architect
The pair share recent history, as Paratici was the architect of Dragusin’s move to Tottenham from Genoa in 2024. That transfer saw the defender head to North London, though his time in England was curtailed by injury problems. Dragusin also noted that he had nearly joined Fiorentina during the January window, stating: “In the winter there were negotiations, but for various reasons I didn’t go anywhere.”
Fully fit and ready to contribute
Dragusin has now declared himself fully recovered from the fitness issues that disrupted his final months at Spurs. “I’m 100% recovered; I feel able to give a lot. I had a horrible year that helped me grow in other ways,” he explained. Despite the difficult spell, he expressed gratitude to his former club, noting: “I want to thank Tottenham; I saw a different world and it gave me a Europa League win.”
Targeting a permanent stay
The Romania international was unequivocal about his desire to make the move permanent. The loan agreement includes an option that becomes obligatory under specific conditions, and Dragusin sees his future in Florence. “The fact that I’m here means only Fiorentina matters. I want to stay here to do great things and repay the club’s faith,” he said.
He also welcomed the opportunity to work under coach Fabio Grosso, whom he previously faced when Grosso managed Frosinone. Dragusin described finding “a group with a lot of hunger” as he begins this new chapter in Serie A. The defender held his press conference at Viola Park a day after fellow new arrival Arthur Atta was presented.