Liverpool and Tottenham battle for Italian director Piero Ausilio

Liverpool have been left without a sporting director after Richard Hughes stepped down earlier this month, and the club now face a crucial vacancy as they look to rebuild their recruitment structure. The 54‑year‑old Italian Piero Ausilio, who left Inter Milan this week, is reportedly on the radar of both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Vacancy at Anfield

Richard Hughes' exit created a gap in the Reds' hierarchy, prompting the board to evaluate several candidates to oversee player acquisitions and scouting. Liverpool are therefore expected to consider a range of options as they aim to restore a coherent recruitment strategy.

Ausilio’s Inter legacy

Piero Ausilio concluded a 28‑year spell with Inter after officially leaving on September 2, the day after the summer transfer window closed, and was succeeded by his deputy Dario Baccin. He began at the club as a youth‑team secretary in the late 1990s, rose through the ranks and served as sporting director for well over a decade, during which Inter secured three Serie A titles, three Coppa Italia trophies, three Supercoppa Italiana honours, two Champions League final appearances and one Europa League final.

Tottenham Hotspur have already held talks with Ausilio, and manager Roberto De Zerbi is said to be particularly keen to bring the Italian to north London. Spurs see the appointment as a way to reinforce their Italian connections in Italia, including players Sandro Tonali and Destiny Udogie, and to follow the precedent set by former sporting director Fabio Paratici.

Now reports via FCInter1908 suggest Liverpool could also emerge as a serious contender for the role. The club, still searching for a replacement after Hughes' departure, view Ausilio’s extensive experience as an attractive option to rebuild their recruitment structure.

However, and other Italian outlets claim Ausilio is closing in on an agreement with Tottenham, describing the situation as a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’. If Liverpool decide to make a concrete approach soon, they could force a direct rivalry for the coveted position.

Both clubs will need to act quickly. Tottenham hope to finalise negotiations before any rival makes a formal bid, while Liverpool must decide whether to launch a concrete approach to secure the experienced executive. The outcome will shape the recruitment strategies of two Premier League giants.