Jorg Schmadtke close to short-term deal to become Liverpool sporting director

Liverpool are hopeful of announcing Jorg Schmadtke as their new sporting director imminently as the German gets set to fly into Merseyside to conclude talks this week.

Schmadtke emerged as the No.1 target to replace the departing Julian Ward earlier this month as the current incumbent of the sporting director position prepares to walk away from the club after over a decade in a number of different roles.

The ECHO understands Schmadtke is due to fly into the region towards the end of this week to iron out the final details of what is likely to be a short-term arrangement that will have the potential to extend if suitable for all parties.

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The former Wolfsburg chief will work closely with head of recruitment Dave Fallows and chief scout Barry Hunter behind the scenes at the AXA Centre as Liverpool look to significantly bolster their squad in an effort to challenge again next term.

Schmadtke has established a reputation as a straight-talking operator during his time in Germany and has seen his reputation rise following the success he enjoyed at Aachen, Hannover, Koln and Wolfsburg, who qualified for the Champions League two years ago on the 59-year-old’s watch.

Schmadtake’s expected appointment will see him become Liverpool’s third sporting director in 12 months after Ward officially replaced the vaunted Michael Edwards at the end of last season before surprisingly announcing his summer exit in November.

The German negotiator will arrive at Anfield during a critical period for the club as Klopp and his recruitment department look to oversee something of a rebuild, particularly in midfield, without the aid of funds generated through Champions League qualification.

Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday means Newcastle and Manchester United now need just a point each from their final two games to ensure the Reds can only finish as high as fifth this term.

The club took the decision to step away from a chase for Borussia Dortmund’s £130m-rated midfielder Jude Bellingham earlier this year in favour of spreading their budget across a handful of other, less expensive options. Those alternatives include Brighton’s World Cup-winning Argentina international Alexis Mac Allister, Chelsea’s Mason Mount and Bayern Munich youngster Ryan Gravenberch.

Speaking about the club’s interest in Schmadtke last week, Klopp insisted any appointment of his compatriot wouldn’t be solely taken on his say-so as Liverpool look to appoint the right personality for one of the major off-the-field positions at the club.

“If it happens, it would not be a Jurgen Klopp signing because we are both German or both know each other. That would have nothing to do with it. I can say that,” said Klopp in his Friday press conference last week.

“Jorg Schmadtke [is someone] I have known for a long, long time. He knows me probably not as long as I know him, because he was a much better player.

“But we started our second career at a similar moment. I became a coach at Mainz and he became sporting director at Aachen. Two teams of similar status, so from there we know each other a little bit.

“I know he is a good guy and a smart guy. Very good at what he did in Germany, definitely, very successful. His character is good, his personality is good, his humour is good. I know that from a few moments next to the pitch.”

The departures of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo, whose loan spell from Juventus is soon to end, means Klopp and his backroom staff are eager to step up their recruitment drive sooner rather than later as they aim to bounce back from an underwhelming season.