Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly making moves to secure Piero Ausilio, the esteemed sporting director of Inter Milan, who is preparing to conclude his remarkable 28-year tenure with the Italian club. Ausilio, 54, has garnered respect for his contributions to Inter, having joined the club's academy back in 1998 and rising through the ranks to become sporting director in 2010.
As per insights from Italian transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, Tottenham is among a number of clubs that have expressed interest in Ausilio as he approaches the end of his contract with Inter. His departure comes after an agreement with the club, as he seeks new challenges beyond the San Siro, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping the team's success.
During his time at Inter, Ausilio was instrumental in the club's transfer strategy, successfully bringing in key players who have significantly impacted the team's performance. Notable signings include Lautaro Martinez, Nicolò Barella, Alessandro Bastoni, Achraf Hakimi, and Romelu Lukaku, all of whom contributed to Inter's triumphs, including the treble achieved under former Tottenham manager José Mourinho.
Martinez evolved from a promising forward at Racing Club to Inter's captain and one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe. Barella and Bastoni have established themselves as vital components for both Inter and the Italian national team. Lukaku was pivotal in securing the 2020/21 Serie A title before his lucrative transfer to Chelsea, while Hakimi also fetched a significant fee when he moved to Paris Saint-Germain.
In addition to high-profile signings, Ausilio has demonstrated his acumen in identifying talent in the free-agent market. His acquisitions of Hakan Çalhanoğlu, who transitioned from AC Milan to become a key midfielder, and André Onana, who arrived for free from FC Barcelona and later moved to Manchester United for a substantial profit, highlight his effectiveness in recruitment. Marcus Thuram also made an immediate impact after leaving Borussia Mönchengladbach, further showcasing Ausilio's eye for talent.
Other significant players brought in under Ausilio's guidance include Stefan de Vrij, Denzel Dumfries, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Francesco Acerbi. These strategic signings have not only bolstered Inter's squad but have also contributed to the club's domestic successes and two appearances in the Champions League finals, all while navigating financial constraints that often necessitated the sale of key players.
Tottenham's interest in Ausilio comes at a crucial time as the club seeks to restructure following the departure of Fabio Paratici, who left for Fiorentina earlier in 2026. While Johan Lange remains a key figure in the club's operations, Ausilio's extensive experience and established European connections could provide Tottenham with a significant advantage in building a competitive squad.
Additionally, Tottenham's head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, has been previously linked with Inter Milan, suggesting that he may welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Ausilio should he join the North London club. Hiring Ausilio would represent a significant achievement for Tottenham Hotspur, marking a new chapter in their pursuit of success.
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