Liverpool are ready to hire a new head of research as they plot the rebuild under Jurgen Klopp.
The German has endured a difficult season thus far at Anfield, with his future questioned as a result. However he's ready to go again on Merseyside and the club are searching for a replace as the prepare to see Dr Ian Graham leave after more than a decade.
He occupies a key position in the club's recruitment department and has been integral to the captures of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson. Graham built the renowned data science department at the club but is serving his notice period with a replacement being sought, reports The Times.
The man Liverpool want is understood to be working in the game and regarded as a leader in the football data field. A number of the main members of the squad at Anfield are approaching their 30s - some being older - and there is an acceptance that the average age needs to be lowered.
Arsenal, who are currently leading the Premier League, have the youngest team in England's top flight which has led to Liverpool's interest in Jude Bellingham, who is likely to cost more than £100m if he does leave Borussia Dortmund. Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes is also a target.
Liverpool's squad rebuild will not come cheap, especially given the competition for some of their transfer targets. The Reds smashed their transfer record in the summer but may have to do so again if they want to add Bellingham. It would represent a major show of commitment from FSG, who have spoken about being open to offers for the club as they look to new pathways for investment.
Jamie Carragher recently assessed the squad on the Overlap and said: "The issues with Liverpool are that they’ve been unfortunate with injuries, and there has been a mismanagement of the squad. Jordan Henderson has taken a lot of stick off Liverpool supporters recently, but he’s done his job. Jordan Henderson came to Liverpool at the age of 21 and he’s 31 now and won everything. He shouldn’t be playing every week now, but with the mismanagement of the squad, he plays week in week out."
Klopp has been abrasive in press conferences this term as the media question him on his team's below par performances. They've yet to win a league game in 2023 but the German is more committed that ever having penned a contract until 2026 only last season.
The outgoing Graham was integral to Klopp's appointment back in 2015. He replaced Brendan Rodgers shortly after he'd left Dortmund. His final year with the Bundesliga outfit was underwhelming, but Graham detailed how their campaign, which had them sat bottom at points, was an anomaly given their performance indicators.
