Liverpool are on the brink of naming Mark Burchill, currently serving as AFC Bournemouth’s chief scout, as their latest addition to the staff, signaling a new phase in the club’s structure at Anfield. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports this development.
This decision comes amid significant changes for the Reds, following the announcement by head coach Jurgen Klopp of his departure from the club at the close of the 2023/24 season.
In the midst of this transition, Michael Edwards, the chief executive officer of football operations for Fenway Sports Group, and Richard Hughes, who is set to assume the role of Liverpool’s sporting director, will be orchestrating the recruitment of a new manager, alongside navigating a crucial 2024 summer transfer period. Burchill is anticipated to make the move from the Vitality Stadium to Anfield, with Hughes.
Burchill ‘Will Follow’ Hughes to Liverpool
An agreement is already in place
Earlier this week, Liverpool officially announced Richard Hughes from AFC Bournemouth as their new sporting director, taking over from Jorg Schmadtke, who left the role after the closure of the 2024 winter transfer window. Hughes, 44, is poised to usher in notable transformations on Merseyside.
As per reports from Fabrizio Romano, Mark Burchill is set to follow Hughes in his move to Liverpool from Bournemouth. While the formal signing of the contract is imminent, the parties have already reached an agreement, with Michael Edwards, Hughes, and Burchill set to form part of a revamped organizational setup at Anfield.
“Mark Burchill will follow Richard Hughes to Liverpool. It’s all decided for Bournemouth chief scout to join #LFC. It will be signed soon but agreement’s already in place. Edwards, Hughes and Burchill will be part of the new structure.”
Burchill faces a demanding task ahead in the upcoming months. The current Cherries scout will be challenged with the responsibility of finding suitable replacements for several aging key players whose contracts are nearing their end and who have been linked with potential moves away. His role will involve identifying successors who fit within a reasonable price range.
Having assumed the position of Bournemouth’s chief scout in the summer of 2019, the 43-year-old has been instrumental in the club’s journey through relegation and subsequent promotion back to the Premier League.
His tenure as the leading scout has seen significant developments within the south coast outfit.
Burchill’s contributions have been notable in recent signings, including Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra from Leeds United, Hamed Traore from Sassuolo, Alex Scott from Bristol City, and Ilya Zabarnyi from Dynamo Kyiv, all acquired within the past 12 months.
However, with his transition to Liverpool, he will now be expected to elevate his performance to a higher level.
Liverpool “Weighing Up a Move for Tosin Adarabioyo
Liverpool are considering a potential acquisition of Fulham’s center-back Tosin Adarabioyo ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window. Adarabioyo, aged 26, is facing the expiration of his contract at Craven Cottage, raising the possibility of a free transfer.
Fulham, however, are reportedly gearing up to present a contract proposal aimed at securing Adarabioyo’s services, intending to elevate him to one of the top earners at Craven Cottage.
Discussions with his representatives are said to be underway behind the scenes. Alongside Liverpool, both Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan are reportedly considering a move for the talented defender, who has demonstrated exceptional form since his return from injury in November 2023.
Following Joel Matip‘s sustained long-term injury and impending contract expiration in the summer, there may be a directive for Burchill to identify a suitable long-term replacement for the center-back position at Anfield, someone capable of seamlessly integrating into the plans of the new manager.
In other Liverpool news, The Anfield Exit That’ll Hand Liverpool Cash to Address Unresolved Transfer Dilemma This Summer