Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio detailed the difficulties of high-profile player acquisitions during a panel discussion in Parma last week.
The insights provide a rare glimpse into the volatile nature of the transfer market, where player valuations can shift rapidly based on a single match performance.
Ausilio appeared on the "I Signori del Calciomercato" panel during the Festival della Serie A on June 7, 2026 [1]. The event began at 11:30 [2] at the Ridotto del Regio in Parma, Italy [3]. Joining Ausilio were Ariedo Braida, president Giuseppe Marotta, and moderators Monica Bertini and Claudio Rinaldi [3].
During the session, Ausilio highlighted the specific challenges associated with bringing Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez to the club. He said the negotiation for Thuram was the most complicated of his experience, noting that he managed to secure the player from AC Milan with the assistance of the player's father, Lilian [4].
Regarding Lautaro Martinez, Ausilio said the pricing was unstable. He said that the cost for the player changed after a single match [4]. He said that Martinez had already been linked to Atletico Madrid during the process [4].
Ausilio also commented on the current state of local football, specifically praising the performance of Parma. He said the city had an incredible season, and he said that player Cuesta has been very good [4].
The panel served as a forum for sporting directors to share anecdotes and discuss the evolving dynamics of the transfer market, emphasizing the role of personal relationships and timing in securing talent [3, 5].
“"Con Thuram la trattativa più complicata."”
These revelations underscore the instability of player valuations in modern football, where immediate on-field results can lead to instant price hikes. Ausilio's comments regarding the influence of Lilian Thuram also highlight the continued importance of familial intermediaries in navigating complex negotiations between rival clubs.
