Liverpool begin plans for next season by hiring Jorg Schmadtke as new sporting director

Jorg Schmadtke will replace Julian Ward as Liverpool's sporting director, with Ward set to step down this summer to take a break from football.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool’s idea is to have Schmadtke begin work in time for the opening of the summer transfer window which officially begins for Premier League clubs on June 14.

It is expected that Jurgen Klopp's team will start working on potential summer signings soon, but Schmadtke will now oversee all transfers during the summer.

He held similar positions in Germany at Aachen, Hannover 96, FC Cologne, and Wolfsburg.

 “Firstly, I would like to welcome Jorg to Liverpool Football Club in the knowledge that he will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience into a role in which such qualities can only be beneficial both to him and us.

“Jorg will work with our football operations department as it continues to provide support for Jurgen Klopp, in keeping with our ongoing endeavour to keep growing and developing the club in all areas."