Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was surprised by the capture of Georges-Kevin Nkoudou last summer.
After a drawn out saga, the winger arrived from Marseille in August.
However, it's been revealed the deal was done without Pochettino's recommendation.
Instead, France Football says Spurs chairman Daniel Levy drove the deal, negotiating directly with former OM president Vincent Labrune.
A source said: "Coach Pochettino did not even know he would come. It was a deal between presidents."