Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke is expected to leave the club at the end of this season, according to a fresh claim for Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The German was confirmed as the Reds’ new sporting director back in May, following the exit of Julian Ward in the role, after he was only in the role for a short period of time.
Schmadtke helped oversee a successful summer transfer window at Liverpool, working alongside Jurgen Klopp and rebuilding a midfield that creaked throughout last season, with too many players looking past their best.
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch all arrived on Merseyside to boost the options within the squad, and it has made a big difference, with Klopp’s men sitting second in the Premier League table currently.
Taking to X on Tuesday evening, however, Plettenberg claimed that Schmadtake will depart from his position next summer, following one year at Liverpool:
“X News Jorg Schmadtke: The tendency is that Schmadtke will support Liverpool in the upcoming January transfer window as their Sporting Director. After that, the collaboration is supposed to end.
“All parties value each other and are very satisfied with the project. However, Schmadtke is currently planning to step back. Klopp & Schmadtke, still very good friends.”
Our thoughts on Schmadtke leaving Liverpool next summer…
In some ways, it seems strange that Schmadtake is moving on so soon, having only arrived earlier in the year, with his relationship with Klopp seemingly healthy.
That being said, if all parties feel that a short-term solution makes the most sense, bringing in someone new in the role in 2024 is the right decision by the club.
The job of a sporting director is so important in the modern game, as Michael Edwards showed so brilliantly during his time at Liverpool during a golden period that saw them win both the Champions League and the Premier League, masterminding some wonderful signings, such as Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
For that reason, it is essential that the Reds nail their appointment in the role, ensuring that Klopp’s 2.0 era on Merseyside continues to go from strength to strength.
