Marco Ottolini returns to Marassi for the first time in more than three years, in a match that has a double meaning: it is the opening match of the season between Genoa and Juventus, but it is also the debut of the sporting director of the Juventus team, who since June 2022 has led the purchase of players and the promotion of the club. His figure was central in the management of the Genoa transfer market, managing to transform numerous operations into significant profits for the club.
During his experience at Genoa, Ottolini made five transfers which proved to be the most profitable for the club. The first was the purchase of Romanian defender Radu Dragusin, initially loaned from Juventus for the cadet season. After contributing to the promotion, the player was bought out for 5.5 million euros and then sold to Tottenham in January 2024 for 25 million, with additional bonuses. This operation also included the loan of Spence, now an Inter full-back, who had a successful season.
Ottolini's second coup was the purchase of Mateo Retegui, the Italian-Argentine striker who, after receiving Roberto Mancini's call-up, was brought to Genoa for 15 million euros. Retegui scored seven goals, contributing decisively to the club's salvation, and subsequently moved to Atalanta for a higher fee.
The third deal was that of Koni De Winter, the young Belgian who was purchased for 8 million euros plus bonuses. After two years of solid performances, De Winter was sold to Milan for 20 million, confirming Ottolini's ability to identify promising talents and then capitalize on them.
The fourth coup was the purchase of Brooke Norton Cuffy from Arsenal for 2 million euros plus bonuses. The English right-back was inserted into Genoa's defensive department, where he proved to be a real arrow. Subsequently, Cuffy was sold to Los Angeles, at a profit of 14 million.
Finally, Ottolini brought Leo Ostigard back to Genoa, the Norwegian centre-back who had left the club after a short loan period. The final purchase was made for 2.5 million euros, with the aim of exploiting its growing value. Today Ostigard is worth around 15 million, demonstrating the effectiveness of Ottolini's strategy of buying at low cost and selling at higher prices.
These five transfers highlight Ottolini's ability to manage the market with a keen eye on capital gains, significantly contributing to Genoa's financial stability. With the season just starting, the club is preparing to field a squad made up of carefully chosen players, while Ottolini continues to consolidate his reputation as a manager who knows how to turn talent into profit.