Liverpool confirm departure of transfer chief in aftermath of Jurgen Klopp exit

Liverpool have announced sporting director Jorg Schmadtke will leave the club once the January transfer window shuts next week.

News of Schmadtke's exit comes mere hours after Jurgen Klopp confirmed he would be standing down as manager at the end of the season, while his coaching staff will also depart.

In a statement on Friday afternoon, Liverpool confirmed Schmadtke will also be part of this exodus of staff.

"Liverpool FC can confirm Jorg Schmadtke's tenure as sporting director will come to an end following the culmination of the January transfer window," the statement read.

"Schmadtke joined the Reds last June, overseeing the club's football operations department and leading on incoming and outgoing transfers, having previously performed a similar role at Wolfsburg, Cologne, Hannover and Alemannia Aachen."

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Schmadtke said: "Liverpool is a very special club so to have had the opportunity to work here has been a huge honour for me, even though I knew from the outset that it would only be for a short period.

"I would like to thank everyone - the owners, manager, staff, players and fans - for the support I have been given and offer my best wishes for the rest of this season."

Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon added: "We would like to place on record our gratitude to Jorg for the important role he has played since joining Liverpool last summer.

"He has made a valuable contribution, both in terms of the support he provided to Jurgen Klopp and the assistance and guidance given to our outstanding football operations department.

"As well as departing with our appreciation for his efforts, we would also like to take this opportunity to offer Jorg and his family our very best wishes for the future."

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