Liverpool set to make surprise decision on Jorg Schmadtke future

Liverpool could be prepared to extend 'transfer expert' Jorg Schmadtke's contract as sporting director, according to a report.

The 59-year-old former goalkeeper was appointed to his position on an interim basis ahead of last summer, following Julian Ward's surprise decision to step down.

Schmadtke – who has held similar roles at FC Köln and Wolfsburg – was given a one-year deal until June 2024, though the man himself revealed last year that either party had the option to call an end to the agreement before that date.

In his first transfer window with the club, Schmadtke oversaw the Reds' midfield rebuild, helping facilitate deals for Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch – all from Bundesliga clubs.

All three players have been relative successes in their first half season at Liverpool.

According to journalist Christian Falk, Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp are very happy with Schmadtke's work so far and are even ready to meet with the German in 'March or February' to discuss the option to prolong his contract into the summer transfer window and beyond.

Falk is quoted as saying: “As far as Liverpool are concerned, Jorg Schmadtke is the transfer expert and friend of Jurgen Klopp and supposed to conduct transfer business until the end of the transfer window.

“Schmadtke has a contract until the summer as sporting director but that ends at the end of June, i.e. before the next transfer window. That’s why, according to my information, they will perhaps sit down in March or February and discuss whether things should continue.

“The fact is, Klopp trusts Schmadtke and if they are definitely still together, they will see what they can get on the table and maybe strike another agreement again.”

The claim of Schmadtke's potential continuation at Liverpool comes in sharp contrast to a report from Germany last month which suggested that the transfer chief could leave his post after the January transfer window, with the Reds ready to appoint a long-term successor. Former RB Leipzig chief Max Eberl has been linked.

'Service provider'

Schmadtke, who is based in Majorca rather than on Merseyside, described himself as a 'service provider' and 'assistant' to Klopp in an interview last year.

"I was aware of my position from the outset," he said. "I knew the job description and went for it. I accept and respect this British combination in general. And in the specific case with Jurgen Klopp as my superior, it's even easier for me. The name Klopp stands for itself.

"It is well known that things are a little different in England than in Germany. The coach, who is called the manager here, is the decision-maker and determiner.

"So Jurgen Klopp is the pacesetter in Liverpool. In principle, I am a service provider, the assistant for Jurgen and the one who is responsible for the implementation of ideas and activities."

On his happiness at Liverpool in general, he said: "I'm thrilled with this club, fascinated by the atmosphere there. It's a big club, but it exudes zero arrogance."