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Bayer Leverkusen managing director of sport Simon Rolfes has confirmed he intends to stay at the club despite interest from Liverpool.
The Reds have struggled to find a long-term replacement for former sporting director Michael Edwards, who was lauded for his role in identifying, and signing, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker among others.
Liverpool are currently on the lookout for a fourth sporting director in as many years after Jorg Schmadtke left the club following the conclusion of the 2024 January transfer window. Schamdtke only took over the post in May 2023, replacing Julian Ward who lasted just one full year in the job.
One name that has been linked with the vacant post has been Leverkusen’s managing director of sport Rolfes. The former Germany international has been a key member of the Bundesliga club’s recruitment staff since 2018, overseeing the rebuild which has seen the club go from relegation candidates at the start of the 2022/23 campaign to title contenders.
As well as success in the transfer market, Rolfes also had a role in hiring Xabi Alonso, who has revolutionised the club’s on-field performances and is now a managerial target for Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Alonso is the frontrunner to take over at Liverpool, replacing the outgoing Jurgen Klopp, but if the Spaniard does move to Merseyside, it’s unlikely he’ll be joined by Rolfes.replacement for outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp in the summer.
Speaking to Kicker, Rolfes said of potentially leaving Leverkusen: “The fact that there is a lot of speculation about Bayer 04’s protagonists due to our current successes is part of the business.
“But that doesn’t change my direction. It’s not without reason that I only extended my contract in the autumn. I’m absolutely happy in Leverkusen in this constellation.”
Liverpool have also been linked with West Ham United’s technical director Tim Steidten, amid reports of tension behind the scenes at London Stadium.
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