Liverpool close in on new sporting director, announcement plan revealed - Sources

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Published on:

26 Feb 2024, 1:15 am

Liverpool want to appoint a new sporting director in the next month, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed that the Reds are keen to announce a new chief recruiter by the end of March and will then push ahead with their search for Jurgen Klopp's managerial replacement.

Well-placed sources have told Football Insider that owners Fenway Sports Group are working through a shortlist of replacements for Jorg Schmadtke, who left the club at the of the January transfer window.

Liverpool chiefs are assessing candidates who best meet the club's requirements and are keen on a long-term appointment after rapid turnover in the key recruitment role in the last two years.

Liverpool want to appoint a new sporting director before prioritising a move for Jurgen Klopp's replacement

As revealed by Football Insider (22 February), the Merseyside giants are planning to informally approach Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes.

Rolfes has garnered a reputation as a shrewd recruiter since being appointed at Leverkusen in 2018, but the Reds have other targets on their list.

But he is one of many potential targets in what is set to be an extensive process to secure the right candidate.

Liverpool have had two sporting directors since Michael Edwards stepped down in the summer of 2022, Julian Ward and Schmadtke, and the club want an experienced recruit to help facilitate their post-Klopp plans.

The club remain active in their search for a new head coach and have been widely linked with Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso, with sources telling Football Insider (16 February) that he is their number-one target.

Football Insider also revealed (23 February) that Brighton are expecting a “huge” battle to keep Roberto De Zerbi amid interest from Liverpool and Man United

In other news, Liverpool set sights on signing ‘sensational talent’ tipped to be ‘world’s best’ – Sources.

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