“The agreement is imminent…” – Fabrizio Romano reveals Liverpool are finally set to appoint Julian Ward’s successor

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are close to appointing a new sporting director for the summer transfer market.

In November, current Reds director of football Julian Ward announced he would be stepping down at the end of the season, just months after officially replacing Michael Edwards in the role.

Ward has since accepted a similar role at Ajax, helping the Dutch giants rebuild following the departure of manager Erik ten Hag and several star players last summer.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are looking for the 41-year-old’s successor. In late April, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that while he was not involved in the club’s talks about replacing Ward, the search was “going in the right direction”.

“I’m not involved in the talks,” Klopp said at the time. “Maybe the talks, yes, but I’m not the person at the club who can give a real answer on the situation.

“It’s up to others to decide, but from what I’ve heard, everything is going in the right direction.”

And if the reports are to be believed, Liverpool are set to announce Ward’s replacement.
Jörg Schmadtke is Liverpool FC’s new sporting director

According to Romano, Liverpool are “close” to appointing Jörg Schmadtke as their next sporting director.

Schmadtke was a goalkeeper during his playing days before moving into football administration. Indeed, the German recently held the title of managing director of sport at Wolfsburg for five years before leaving in early February.

Romano tweeted: “Liverpool are now about to appoint Jorg Schmadtke as [their] new sporting director. The deal is imminent – he accepted the role.

“The former director of Wolfsburg will work on the project/new signings alongside Jurgen Klopp, who will remain crucial in the transfer strategy.”

Liverpool are reportedly busy in the summer transfer market after a difficult campaign.

Also.. 

Liverpool FC really want to sign a sensational £70m star now they’re flying out to see him tonight

Liverpool are the club most keen to chase Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella this summer.

Barella has been linked with a move to Anfield for several years but has never felt particularly close to leaving Italy. But now, as journalist Gianluca Di Marzio told Sky Sports, interest from Liverpool will increase.

He claims the Reds saw the 26-year-old live at the end of April. After presumably being impressed, they would be back in Milan for the Champions League semi-finals tonight. “I can tell that Liverpool are looking forward to seeing him [tonight]. They were here at the Milan stadium to watch him play against Lazio [on 30 April],” reported Di Marzio.

“I don’t know if Liverpool will sign him, I don’t know if Inter will sell him, but I can say that Liverpool are one of the most interested clubs in looking for Barella.”

Liverpool in photo for Barella

While Liverpool look for the right solutions to the midfield problem, Barella’s name has been mentioned several times. A gifted all-round player, it’s easy to see why the Reds would be drawn to the Italy national team.

But as Di Marzio suggests, there are many pitfalls in this. Since joining in 2019, Barella has been one of Inter’s best and most distinguished players. Selling it would be very unpopular with fans.

Although it was reported that the Nerazzurri could be forced to concede him, Barella has also already received a £70million prize. With the best will in the world, it’s not a fee that Liverpool are going to pay properly

There should also be some slight reservations about his desire to join Liverpool. Perhaps more than in any other major European league, Italian players are often reluctant to leave their home country to play abroad. There were claims that Barella would fall into this category.

As a result, we still feel like it’s a real outdoor shot. Right now, it looks much more likely that Liverpool will sign Alexis Mac Allister and Mason Mount. Ironically, it could be that a good performance from Barella tonight will push the prospect of a move to Liverpool even further.

Still, Di Marzio tends to know what he’s talking about, especially when it comes to Italian clubs. For example, he was the first to break the news of Arthur’s transfer in September. So maybe there is still something. Either way, a few Reds will no doubt be keeping a close eye on Nicolo and what he could bring to Liverpool tonight at the San Siro.