The best players Ausilio signed for Inter as Tottenham links ramp up

Piero Ausilio, the long‑time sporting director at Inter Milan, has been behind several high‑profile signings that have shaped the club’s recent success. As Tottenham prepares to appoint him, the English side may look to his transfer philosophy to rebuild their squad. The article reviews Ausilio’s m…

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:53:53 GMT

When Tottenham Hotspur announced the potential appointment of former Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio, the Premier League club’s transfer window buzz shifted from the high‑profile arrivals of Sandro Tonali and Omar Marmoush to a deeper look at the man who has been behind Inter’s recent trophy haul. Ausilio, who spent 16 years in the same role at the San Siro, is credited with bringing in a string of players who have become pillars of the Nerazzurri’s midfield, defense and attack. Understanding these signings gives insight into the kind of football philosophy Tottenham might adopt under his guidance.

Ausilio’s Transfer Philosophy: Value, Vision, and Timing

Ausilio’s approach has always balanced immediate impact with long‑term value. He has a knack for spotting talent that can thrive in a high‑pressure environment and then securing them at a price that leaves room for future profit. The list of players he has signed for Inter is a testament to this strategy, featuring a mix of young prospects and seasoned veterans who fit the club’s tactical mould.

Key Signings that Defined Inter’s Recent Era

• Lautaro Martínez – The Argentine forward was signed from Racing Club for €23 million in 2018. In the decade since, he has scored nearly 200 goals for Inter, won multiple Serie A titles, reached two Champions League finals, and lifted a World Cup with Argentina. His goal‑scoring consistency made him a cornerstone of Inter’s attack.
• Mateo Kovačić – Inter’s first major signing from Croatia, Kovačić joined from Dinamo Zagreb for €13 million in 2013. He was sold to Real Madrid for €35 million after two seasons, providing a clean profit and demonstrating Ausilio’s ability to develop talent for the European market.
• Nicolò Barella – After a successful loan at Cagliari, Barella was signed for €25 million in 2020. He has become a midfield engine for Inter, contributing to domestic titles and deep runs in the Champions League, proving the value of investing in a versatile central player.
• Hakan Çalhanoğlu – The Turkish playmaker moved from AC Milan to Inter in 2021 for a fee that sparked debate. The transfer paid off, as Çalhanoğlu became a regular starter and key contributor to Inter’s title‑winning squads.
• Matteo Skriniar – The Slovak defender was signed from Sampdoria in 2017 and played a pivotal role in Inter’s first Serie A title in a decade. His defensive solidity helped the club reach the Champions League final in 2023.
• Yann Sommer – The Swiss goalkeeper joined for €6.75 million in 2023 and quickly became one of the world’s best, helping Inter secure four domestic trophies in three seasons.
• Romelu Lukaku – Signed from Manchester United, Lukaku scored 30 goals in Inter’s 2020/21 title campaign. His sale to Chelsea for €115 million after just one season yielded a €50 million profit, underscoring Ausilio’s business acumen.
• Andre Onana – The free transfer from Ajax in 2022 saw Onana play a single season before moving to Manchester United for €51 million, again generating profit for Inter.
• Xherdan Shaqiri – Though his stint at Inter lasted only six months, the Swiss winger’s departure to Stoke for €17 million highlighted Ausilio’s willingness to cut losses when a player’s fit is uncertain.

What Tottenham Could Learn from Ausilio’s Model

Tottenham’s recent spending spree, exceeding £300 million, has raised questions about sustainability and long‑term planning. Ausilio’s track record suggests a focus on buying undervalued talent, nurturing it, and then selling for a profit or integrating it into a cohesive team. If Spurs adopt this model, they might shift from a blockbuster‑centric approach to a more measured, data‑driven recruitment strategy.

Next Steps for Tottenham and Inter

While the appointment of Ausilio is still pending, the potential move signals a new era for Spurs’ sporting operations. Inter, meanwhile, will look to continue their tradition of smart acquisitions under his guidance. The football world will be watching closely to see how these two clubs adapt their transfer policies in the coming seasons.

Why it matters

Ausilio’s proven ability to blend financial prudence with on‑field success offers Tottenham a blueprint for building a competitive squad without compromising fiscal responsibility. His experience could help Spurs balance immediate performance with long‑term stability.

Key points

• Ausilio’s 16‑year tenure at Inter produced multiple Champions League finalists
• Key signings include Lautaro Martínez, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and Yann Sommer
• He consistently turned player acquisitions into profitable sales
• Tottenham’s potential hiring reflects a shift toward sustainable recruitment

Frequently asked questions

Who is Piero Ausilio and what is his role at Inter Milan?

Piero Ausilio served as Inter Milan’s sporting director for 16 years, overseeing player recruitment, contract negotiations, and overall sporting strategy.

Why is Tottenham interested in hiring Ausilio?

Tottenham aims to revamp its recruitment approach, and Ausilio’s track record of successful signings and profitable sales aligns with the club’s desire for sustainable growth.

What were some of Ausilio’s most successful transfers?

Notable acquisitions include Lautaro Martínez, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and Yann Sommer, all of whom became integral to Inter’s recent successes.

Reporting drawn from

• standard.co.uk