Tim Steidten’s name has emerged in connection with the currently vacant sporting director position at Liverpool. If the West Ham man were to assume the role, several significant changes would likely happen.
Liverpool face the daunting challenge of finding a successor for Jürgen Klopp. However, it’s not just Klopp’s departure they must address; several other key positions within the club need filling.
In addition to Klopp, trusted members of his coaching staff such as assistant manager Pep Lijnders and development coach Vitor Matos are also departing. Nonetheless, it’s anticipated that the incoming Liverpool manager will assemble their own support team, minimizing the impact of these departures.
Conversely, the space left by Jörg Schmadtke’s departure as sporting director demands immediate attention. Reports from The Athletic suggest that attempts to lure back Michael Edwards, who previously held the role, have been unsuccessful. Tim Steidten’s name has surfaced as another potential candidate for the position.
Presently with West Ham, Steidten had previously served at Bayer Leverkusen, showcasing a commendable transfer history at both clubs. When queried about recent links by Sky Germany, he didn’t seem eager to dismiss them hastily.
“I’ve heard that I am supposed to be on the list at Liverpool,” he said. “It is one of the biggest clubs in the world, so it’s an honor. But so far nobody from Liverpool has contacted me yet.
“I generally feel very comfortable at West Ham. I quickly realized how intense this league is. Accordingly, we signed the right players in the last transfer windows. The squad is strong, so we can achieve our goals.
“I am looking forward facing the next weeks and months until the end of the season. Of course, we are already planning the next window. What happens to the future, we will see.”
It’s not exactly a direct invitation, but it’s pretty close. Here are four guaranteed things Liverpool supporters should expect to happen if Steidten becomes the new sporting director.
Xabi Alonso Hired
It’s glaringly evident, isn’t it? Steidten has already facilitated Alonso’s hiring once, at Bayer Leverkusen, and it’s safe to say that it was a successful collaboration. Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that Steidten would be interested in orchestrating a reunion.
Liverpool are poised to name a sporting director prior to appointing a new manager, and it stands to reason that whoever assumes the role will influence the decision-making process. Steidten recognizes his positive rapport with Alonso and would likely expect to have the authority to make astute transfer decisions.
The dynamic between the manager and the sporting director holds significant importance. The amicable relationship between Klopp and Edwards resulted in some of the most consistently successful transfer dealings ever witnessed.
Links to Bayer Leverkusen Players
Even if Liverpool were to secure Alonso, the transfer rumours linking the club to Bayer Leverkusen stars would undoubtedly ensue. Should Steidten also join, a flurry of speculations would undoubtedly follow. Despite what gossip columns may suggest, Klopp has demonstrated that raids on former clubs are not inevitable; however, certain deals appear logical on paper.
Piero Hincapié has previously been associated with a move to Liverpool (via Bolavip), and acquiring a left-sided center-back would facilitate the implementation of Alonso’s preferred back three system from Bayer Leverkusen. Even without a tactical shift, Liverpool could benefit from a player of this caliber.
Furthermore, Florian Wirtz presents an enticing prospect. While Liverpool boast a talented roster of forwards, Wirtz excels in the narrow attacking role behind the striker, a position Klopp has yet to fully exploit. If Mohamed Salah were to depart, this transfer could become more plausible, with Steidten potentially facilitating the process.
Jörg Schmadtke Tactic Continues
While Schmadtke’s tenure as sporting director at Liverpool was brief, his departure leaves behind a notable legacy. The trio of deals he spearheaded—Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endō, and Ryan Gravenberch—each exhibit varying degrees of promise.
The extent of Schmadtke’s involvement in these transactions remains somewhat ambiguous, although his influence was evident in the strategic shift towards Endō following the unsuccessful pursuit of Moisés Caicedo. With Steidten’s appointment, Liverpool once again secure a candidate with extensive Bundesliga expertise.
Endō, Szoboszlai, and Gravenberch all emerged from the German top flight, highlighting the potential value present in this market. While Steidten is inclined towards exploring less traditional recruitment avenues, Liverpool are likely to maintain a keen interest in the Bundesliga under his leadership.
Lucas Paquetá’s Name Crops Up
West Ham will clearly be hoping that Steidten doesn’t depart after just a year, given the significant impact he has already made at the London Stadium. His influence echoes through the legacy of Edson Álvarez and Mohammed Kudus, leaving behind a commendable mark.
During Steidten’s tenure, Jarrod Bowen committed to a long-term contract, indicating stability within the club. However, even this might not deter potential interest from Liverpool, especially considering Bowen’s frequent mention as a potential successor to Salah.
Steidten’s track record as a sporting director suggests a preference for youthful, forward-looking solutions. If he were to make a move, it’s conceivable he might pursue players like Lucas Paquetá to address Liverpool’s needs.
While Manchester City have shown significant interest, reports suggest Steidten’s involvement could sway the balance in Liverpool’s favour, particularly as Paquetá seems destined for a top-tier club.
Whether a transfer to Anfield materializes remains uncertain. Despite being close in age to Bowen, Steidten’s approach might prioritize potential over age, potentially bringing more transfer rumors than actual signings from his time at West Ham.
In other Liverpool news, Premier League Club Ready to Allow Sought-After Manager to Depart for Liverpool