Belgian club confirm their ex-player has joined Liverpool’s staff with immediate effect

Follow us on Google Discover

Liverpool have been gradually reshaping their staff since Jurgen Klopp’s departure in 2024.

Many of Klopp’s long-serving colleagues left with him, leaving Arne Slot to put together his own team.

That process has been anything but smooth, with several more departures taking place since the Dutchman came on board.

The recruitment department has also undergone changes, starting with the appointment of Richard Hughes as sporting director. It’s a rebuild that hasn’t always felt quick or easy.

Laurens Paulussen joins Liverpool as new Belgium-Netherlands scout

Over the past ten years or so, Liverpool have built a reputation for strong talent identification. Their success hasn’t just been limited to first-team signings; they’ve also done well bringing in young players to strengthen the academy.

Building that kind of track record depends on having the right people in place. On Friday evening, Mechelen announced via X that former left-back Laurens Paulussen has been hired by Liverpool to help expand their scouting presence in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The post from the Belgian side read: “The final transfer of the winter transfer window is a fact.”

“Scout and former player Laurens Paulussen is making the move to Liverpool Football Club. Laurens will start working for Liverpool FC as a scout in Belgium – Netherlands.

“The club is particularly proud and wishes Laurens every success.”

Who Is Laurens Paulussen?

A new scout hire might not grab everyone’s attention straight away, but it’s always worth noting when someone with playing experience steps into one of these roles.

Paulussen stands out because he’s only 35 and has only recently retired from professional football.

He spent four years with Mechelen as a left-back between 2014 and 2018 after moving over from Westerlo. While he never broke through internationally, that wasn’t too surprising given the depth of talent in Belgium during his career.

Liverpool have already been active in the Dutch market over the past few seasons. If they start looking more closely at Belgium too, Paulussen will likely play a part in that shift.