Liverpool could find a replacement for both Jurgen Klopp and Mohamed Salah with the help of one appointment, according to report.
The club are reportedly eyeing West Ham’s sporting director, Tim Steidten, with plans to approach him at the end of the January transfer window.
The need for a new sporting director arises as Jorg Schmadtke the current director, announced his departure from Liverpool. Schmadtke’s exit is part of a series of significant changes, which also includes the departure of Klopp, revealed by the club last week.
In their pursuit of a new sporting director, Liverpool had approached former director Michael Edwards. However, reports claim that Edwards declined the opportunity to return to the Reds in a different role.
Fenway Sports Group president, Mike Gordon, allegedly proposed the idea of Edwards taking on a more senior position to lead the club’s restructuring efforts.
According to the Mail Online, West Ham’s Steidten and Bournemouth’s Richard Hughes are currently top contenders for the sporting director position. Despite being in the final days of the transfer window, there is no reported approach made yet.
Bringing Steidten to Liverpool could prove to be a strategic move. The 44-year-old, who previously worked at Bayer Leverkusen before joining West Ham, played a significant role in recruiting Xabi Alonso as the club’s manager.
Moreover, Steidten was instrumental in securing several players who contributed to Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title charge.
Given Steidten’s history with the Bundesliga club, his appointment might enhance Liverpool’s chances of securing Alonso. The former player is widely regarded as the favourite to succeed Klopp in the Anfield dugout.
Klopp’s departure has introduced uncertainty about the future of three key Liverpool players—Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Mohamed Salah. All three have only 18 months left on their existing contracts.
Last summer, Salah’s name surfaced in connection with the Saudi Pro League, and Al Ittihad even presented a verbal offer of £150 million to Liverpool.
If Salah decides to pursue a new opportunity, Steidten could play a pivotal role in securing a fitting replacement, such as Mohammed Kudus.
During the summer, the Ghana international was linked with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Brighton before ultimately joining West Ham.
In other Liverpool news, Jurgen Klopp Klopp Finally Reveals the Reasons Behind His Decision to Step Down as Liverpool Manager