- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Liverpool are eyeing up a host of potential replacements for Jorg Schmadtke with three Premier League contenders in the frame.
HITC understands that Liverpool have already begun work on a new sporting director and they are checking on numerous targets across Europe.
Jorg Schmadtke is leaving his role at the end of this month after being a temporary appointment.
Schmadtke came in over the summer to work alongside Jurgen Klopp but both will be leaving Anfield in the near future.
Liverpool brought Schmadtke in to replace Julian Ward, who stepped down after only just moving on from Michael Edwards – who has also been linked with a possible return to the club.
HITC understands that one name on their radar is Bournemouth’s Richard Hughes, who has impressed with his work on the South Coast.
Brentford’s Lee Dykes and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Sam Jewell are others we understand Liverpool admire and have done homework on ahead of Schmadtke’s exit.
Liverpool sporting director candidates profiled amid Jorg Schmadtke exit
Hughes had a fascinating start to his playing carer, being born in Glasgow but coming up through the ranks of Atalanta in Italy.
Midfielder Hughes then joined Arsenal before racking up more than 100 appearances for Bournemouth and Portsmouth, eventually finishing his career with Bournemouth.
Hughes joined Eddie Howe’s recruitment team at Bourmemouth and now serves as sporting director, with the Cherries impressing this season.
Their focus on talented young players like Illya Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez, Alex Scott, Tyler Adams, Dango Ouattara and Max Aarons has earned praise and Liverpool appear to be paying close attention.
Dykes has a history in coaching as well as scouting, initially working as a youth coach at Rotherham United and eventually becoming Carlisle United assistant manager in 2016.
Dykes had spells scouting at Crawley Town, Notts County, Oldham Athletic and Carlisle before assisting Keith Curle and then heading to Bury as sporting director in 2018.
After leaving Bury amid their 2019 financial chaos, Dykes moved to Brentford as head of scouting, stepping up to become technical director in 2022.
The Bees have been outstanding in the transfer market with Dykes at the club and interest from a top club like Liverpool is no great surprise.
Brighton’s Jewell is the son of a Liverpudlian; his father Paul was a Reds youth team striker and excelled as Wigan Athletic boss in the early 2000’s.
Jewell junior started as an analyst with Newport County and then as a scout at Swindon Town before joining Brighton as a youth team scout in 2016.
Now head of scouting at the Amex Stadium, Jewell plays a key role in Brighton’s exceptional recruitment and was approached by Rangers earlier this season, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Liverpool have seemingly been impressed with the 34-year-old and could offer him a huge move to Anfield as Schmadtke’s departure looms.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
