Liverpool and Man Utd’s next sporting directors’ best deals ranked

Liverpool and Manchester United are both keen to acquire new sporting directors before the start of next season, and reports suggest that they have identified different targets. The Premier League outfits appear to be recruiting with different models in mind, though overhauls are anticipated at both clubs when the campaign concludes.

According to The Telegraph, Liverpool are in talks with German chief Jorg Schmadtke and are hopeful of acquiring his services this summer. The experienced director has enjoyed plenty of success in the Bundesliga over the years, recruiting players for minimal fees during his spells at Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach – among others.

Alternatively, United appear to be looking at those who have experience in splashing the cash more significantly, with Tuttomercato claiming that they have enquired about the availability of Napoli’s sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli.

Both chiefs are admired for their experiences, though Liverpool and United will be hoping that they are acquiring a better director. Express Sport compares each of their top five signings to see who could enjoy the most success in the Premier League.

Jord Schmadtke

1. Maxence Lacroix (£4.4m)

Defender Maxence Lacroix was acquired from Ligue 2 outfit Sochaux in 2020 for a minor fee, and the Frenchman has developed into a top talent since – with Leicester and Southampton previously being priced out of acquiring his services.

2. Anthony Modeste (£3.9m)

Schmadtke showcased how quickly he could generate profit in 2015 whilst at Koln when he signed Anthony Modeste for just under £4m and sold him on for £31.6m just two years later, following consecutive high-scoring campaigns.

3. Lars Stindl (free)

German star Lars Stindl arrived at Hannover on a free transfer in what looked like Schmadtke simply adding depth to his midfield, though five years at the club which saw him make 131 appearances and become club captain showcased that the director saw real talent in the playmaker, and he was correct.

4. Jerome Roussillon (£4.4m)

Left-back Jerome Roussillon has thrived at Wolfsburg since joining the club in 2018, and he remains one of the most consistent players at the club and remained one of the first names on the team sheet.

5. Ron-Robert Zieler (free)

Another free signing by Schmadtke, Ron-Robert Zieler made a significant impact since joining Hannover from United in 2010 and was pivotal in their success in the years that followed.

Cristiano Giuntoli

1. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (£10.2m)

Several clubs are said to have shown an interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before he joined Napoli from Dinamo Batumi, and they will have all rued that missed opportunity. The winger is now valued at over £80m and has been one of the most exciting talents in Europe to watch this season.

2. Kim Min-jae (£15.9m)

United and Liverpool are among those keen to sign defender Kim Min-jae from Napoli, just a year after he headed to the Serie A from Fenerbahce in another top signing by Giuntoli.

3. Piotr Zielinski (£12m)

Midfielder Piotr Zielinski has thrived since heading to Napoli from Udinese in 2016, being linked with numerous top transfers since – which would have banked the club a significant profit – but remaining at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium instead.

4. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (£12m)

In, perhaps, one of the most underrated pieces of business in recent years, Giuntoli negotiated a deal to sign Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa from Fulham for a minor fee after their relegations, and he was a stalwart in their Serie A success this season and confirmed himself as one of the best midfielders in the league.

5. Victor Osimhen

Striker Victor Osimhen is one of the most sought-after stars in Europe, and Giuntoli would make a profit on the Nigerian if he accepted an offer this summer after paying £71m for his services in 2020. Given the price tag, it is hard to name Osimhen the director’s best signing, though very few players justify their transfer fees when significant figures are paid.