Liverpool are keen on making Bayer Leverkusen ace Simon Rolfes their new sporting director, bringing him in along with Xabi Alonso this summer.
The Reds aren’t only on the hunt for a new manager in the coming months, following Jurgen Klopp’s shock exit at the end of the season, with a new sporting director also needed.
Schmadkte departed the role at the end of January and it is imperative that a top-quality replacement arrives at Liverpool, given the importance of the job.
Michael Edwards was superb alongside Klopp earlier in the German’s tenure, masterminding some sensational signings, from Sadio Mane to Mohamed Salah, and Julian Ward also did a good job.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool have lined up Rolfes as Schmadtke’s successor, as they look to snap up both he and Alonso from Bundesliga leaders Leverkusen:
“Liverpool are plotting to bring Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso and sporting director Simon Rolfes to the club in a sensational double swoop, sources have told Football Insider. It is believed that the duo are at the top of the Merseysiders’ list as they shortlist replacements for manager Jurgen Klopp and sporting director Jorg Schmadtke.
“Well-placed sources have told Football Insider that Liverpool are keen to snap up the pair key to the stunning transformation of the Bundesliga side.”
Our thoughts on Liverpool appointing both Rolfes and Alonso…
This sounds like incredibly shrewd planning by Liverpool, considering Rolfes and Alonso already have what appears to be an excellent working relationship, threatening to do something legendary at Leverkusen.
Rolfe is a former Germany international, but he has made the leap upstairs impressively, being described as “remarkable” at his job by Leverkusen chairman Fernando Carro.
Having a manager and sporting director who sing from the same hymn sheet is so essential for Liverpool, with Klopp’s relationship with Edwards, Ward and Schmadtke proof of that, allowing the club to continue functioning well after the German has gone.
Whether Alonso ends up being the Reds’ next manager remains to be seen, but he feels like the best option currently – the Bundesliga table shows why he should be FSG’s first choice – and if he wants to take Rolfes with him to Anfield, the club should do all they can to get a deal over the line.
