Jörg Schmadtke set to leave Liverpool after the January window - reports

Liverpool sporting director Jörg Schmadtke is reportedly set for an early exit from his role at the club, with reports from Germany suggesting that he will step down once the January transfer window concludes.

The German had signed a short-term contract, which included an option for an extension when he joined the club in May, but it now seems that the 59-year-old's work will be done after the upcoming winter window.

According to Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg, Schmadtke is now likely to depart ahead of schedule - and this is in no way a reflection of the club's dissatisfaction with his job.

In fact, according to Plettenberg, "all parties value each other and are very satisfied with the project", which would seemingly point towards a long-term successor having been already lined up ahead of next summer.

Midfield rebuild

Schmadtke, who is a close friend of Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp, took the reins at Anfield towards the end of May, just ahead of the summer transfer window.

His tenure has been marked by the "midfield overhaul" as he oversaw the signing of Brighton's World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, as well as three players from the Bundesliga: Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig, Wataru Endo from Stuttgart and Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich.

Schmadtke was especially praised for the value achieved during that window, having identified below-market release clauses in Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, and recruiting Gravenberch for what looks like a bargain price.

Additionally, his expertise in the German market was evident in securing Endo after collapsed deals for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

These signings have significantly bolstered Liverpool's squad depth and contributed positively to the team's early-season success.

A centre-back still to come?

As Schmadtke ponders his exit, the approaching January window gains more significance, with potential centre-back and defensive midfield signings clearly on the agenda.

These final actions during his spell at the club would likely define his legacy as he passes the baton on to his long-term successor.