LFC Sporting Director to Focus on Germany

Jorg Schmadtke is reportedly close to joining Liverpool in the role of transfer consultant, with claims he will be “mainly focused on the German market.” Since links with Schmadtke first emerged earlier this month, there has been confusion over his potential role at Anfield, as well as the details of his contract. This week, reports from the Mail‘s Dominic King – that the ex-Wolfsburg sporting director would sign a three-year deal – were conflicted by a variety of sources on Merseyside and in Germany. Now, further reports in Germany claim that Schmadtke will arrive on a short-term basis and not be in the formal role of sporting director. Instead, he will be a “transfer consultant” with “all the powers” and work within Liverpool’s current structure, alongside Jurgen Klopp, club figureheads Mike Gordon and Billy Hogan, head of recruitment Dave Fallows and chief scout Barry Hunter. It is reported that Schmadtke has agreed terms with the club and will arrive in the city later this week ahead of an official confirmation. His job will begin on June 1 and last for an initial three months, during which Liverpool will continue the process of identifying a long-term sporting director. According to reports in England, the two parties could then agree to make their association permanent, though this is not certain. Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has labelled Schmadtke as “transfer boss,” and adds that he will be “mainly focused on the German market.” This is unlikely to be in line with Liverpool’s plans for the summer, as their pursuit of Jude Bellingham of Dortmund has been halted and they are believed to be targeting Alexis Mac Allister and Mason Mount as their primary midfield targets. If an official announcement is made on Schmadtke’s appointment – which is not guaranteed – Liverpool are likely to offer clarity over his job title.