David Ornstein says key Liverpool staff member is set for summer exit

David Woodfine, director of loan management, to leave Liverpool

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein (Subscription Required), Liverpool are set to part ways with the club’s director of loan management, David Woodfine in the upcoming summer.

While many might not be aware of his role, it is imperative to know that he currently occupies Sporting Director Julian Ward’s previous role at Anfield. With the latter also set to call it quits, the summer could see a reorganization of staff behind the scenes.

The duo worked together with another impending departee, Dr Ian Graham, the club’s director of research. He was heavily involved in the Reds’ data-driven approach to recruitment which has yielded massive results.

The departures follow in the wake of Michael Edwards’ exit last summer. Woodfine has been with the Reds for about nine years now and is seeking a new challenge. Thankfully, a successor has already been lined up with Matt Newberry, head of academy recruitment, taking over duties for the summer transfer window.

Woodfine has been at the club since 2014 and was instrumental in us securing Luis Diaz in the 2022 January transfer window. He and Jim Moxon flew out to Argentina to ensure the Colombian’s medical went through without a hitch as the Reds beat Tottenham Hotspur to the finish line.

A popular figure at Anfield, Woodfine will be missed. He played a key role in the club’s rise back to prominence and the onus is now on us to ensure the same level of competitiveness is maintained.

It would appear that the Reds are braced for a summer rebuild of not just their playing squad but also behind the scenes. As long as we get them right, there is no reason to believe that we cannot challenge for the title next season.

Dr Ian Graham will be replaced by Will Spearman while Jorg Schmadtke could replace Ward on a short-term basis. Who exactly will take over as the permanent sporting director remains to be seen.

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These backroom changes are important and will definitely go a long way in redefining the strategy and approach we follow off the pitch with regard to transfers and the running of the club under Jurgen Klopp. It will undoubtedly play its role in helping the German build his second great LFC side.