Liverpool make sporting director shortlist but Sir Jim Ratcliffe could ruin plan
Liverpool could be foiled in their quest to land a new sporting director by Manchester United.
In addition to replacing Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool also face the crucial task of finding a new sporting director. Jorg Schmadtke's duties ended with the close of the January transfer window.
The former goalkeeper oversaw the signings of Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo at Anfield after being appointed less than a year ago, when he replaced Julian Ward. The Reds will hope to find more long-term stability following the interchange of people in the position following Michael Edwards' departure in 2022.
Edwards is among those considered by Liverpool's hierarchy. A return is considered unlikely but has not been ruled out for the ex-Liverpool chief who spent 11 years with the club and is highly regarded by Fenway Sports Group.
He is not the only contender for the role, however. Bournemouth's Richard Hughes leaves his position as the Cherries' first-team technical director at the end of the season.
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Hughes has also been linked to Newcastle United given his relationship with Eddie Howe, as they look to replace Dan Ashworth. The transfer chief is currently on gardening leave as Manchester United look to draw him to Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's may not stop there in thwarting the Red Devils' rivals. A further figure on Liverpool's list is Florent Ghisolfi could prove problematic.
Michael Edwards could yet return to Liverpool (PA)A move for Nice's sporting director could come with increased difficulty given INEOS' ownership of the Ligue 1 club. Ratcliffe may be reluctant to sanction such a move having purchased a 27.7 per cent stake in United.
The Reds could also target former AC Milan chief Frederic Massara. The 55-year-old has been without a club after leaving the Serie A side at the end of 2023 alongside Paolo Maldini as tensions arose with owner Gerry Cardinale over the future of the club.
A stern task awaits whoever takes on the role as Liverpool aim for a stable transition as they enter life without Klopp. It will be no easy feat despite the club challenging on four fronts this term with a number of big decisions to be made quickly.
The club of course, still need to appoint a new head coach but also must resolve the futures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The trio are all currently set to see their contracts expire in 2025.
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