Liverpool FC News: Jorg Schmadtke in line for SURPRISE first job since Reds exit

Former Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke could be set for a swift return to football, with a potential offer in the German second tier.

The 60-year-old became a surprise appointment for Liverpool when he came out of retirement to join the club on an interim basis ahead of last summer, following the exit of Julian Ward.

Schmadtke, a former goalkeeper, helped the Reds through the summer midfield overhaul, playing a role in the signings of Dominic Szboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch — all bought from clubs in his native Germany.

Rather than acting as a traditional sporting director sitting above the manager in authority, Schmadtke described himself as Jurgen Klopp's 'assistant' and was based in Majorca rather than on Merseyside.

Originally slated to remain until the end of the 2023/24 season, Schmadtke left after the close of the January transfer window following the announcement of Klopp's decision to depart this summer.

Michael Edwards has since returned as FSG's CEO of football, alongside the appointment of Richard Hughes as Liverpool's incoming sporting director. Meanwhile, Schmadtke has gone back into retirement, though perhaps not for long.

The Hamburger Morgenpost (via Fussball Transfers) reports that the German is being lined up as a possibility for the sporting director role at Hamburger SV.

According to the report, if HSV fails to earn promotion back to the Bundesliga this season, they could look to replace their current recruitment chief with Schmadtke.

While no concrete talks have yet been held, it is said that the former Liverpool man sees the role as an 'interesting' one which could lure him back into the world of football.

Along with Liverpool, Schmadtke has previously worked for Hannover 96, 1. FC Köln and VfL Wolfsburg, among others.