Piero Ausilio has emerged as a potential candidate for Liverpool’s vacant sporting director role following Richard Hughes’ departure to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, according to Italian football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. Liverpool is actively searching for a successor to oversee operations before the transfer windows in 2027.

Richard Hughes officially exited his role as sporting director shortly after the transfer window closed in September. Initial reports indicated that Liverpool would first evaluate internal candidates such as Pedro Marques, director of development, David Woodfine, assistant sporting director, and Julian Ward, technical director and former sporting director at the club. However, external options across Europe remain under consideration.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio speaking on Sky Sports, Ausilio represents a viable external candidate. Di Marzio noted that Ausilio could end up in the Premier League, pointing to earlier talks with Tottenham over the summer while adding that Liverpool should not be ruled out following their loss of Hughes to Saudi Arabia.

Did you know? Piero Ausilio was recently honored as a hero by Inter supporters prior to a match against Napoli in September, marking the end of his lengthy tenure in Milan.

Building Inter Milan’s Title-Winning Squads

Ausilio has spent the last twelve years constructing competitive squads at Inter Milan. Born and raised in Milan, he joined the club in 2010 before taking over primary responsibility for transfers in 2014, operating during a period when Juventus dominated Italian football with consecutive titles.

Under Ausilio’s leadership, Inter eventually broke Juventus’ streak by claiming the 2020/21 Serie A championship. That milestone relied heavily on key acquisitions secured by Ausilio between 2014 and 2020, including Marcelo Brozović from Dinamo Zagreb, Alessandro Bastoni from Atalanta, Milan Škriniar from Sampdoria, Lautaro Martínez from Racing Club, and Nicolò Barella from Cagliari.

Recent Success and Premier League Additions

Inter’s domestic and European success continued well beyond that initial breakthrough. The club secured additional Serie A titles in the 2023/24 and 2025/26 campaigns while also reaching two Champions League finals in 2022/23 and 2024/25, establishing themselves as the leading force in Italian football.

Linked to Sporting Director: - I Wouldn't Rule Out Liverpool

During his final summer transfer window with Inter, Ausilio looked directly to the English top flight for talent. According to club transfer records, he brought in Djed Spence, Curtis Jones, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who left Liverpool as sporting director?

Richard Hughes left his role as Liverpool’s sporting director and joined Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

From Instagram — related to linked sporting director wouldn, Piero Ausilio Liverpool

Who is linked with replacing Richard Hughes at Liverpool?

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Inter Milan director Piero Ausilio has been linked with the Anfield post alongside internal candidates like Pedro Marques, David Woodfine, and Julian Ward.

What is Piero Ausilio’s background?

Ausilio has managed transfers at Inter Milan since 2014, helping the club end Juventus’ title dominance and reach multiple Champions League finals.

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