Klopp gets green light to seal defender deal with path now clear to Dutchman

Liverpool have been told the appointment of Jorg Schmadtke can present a clear and obvious path to a defensive signing – with Jurgen Klopp to have the final say-so on a would-be deal.

The 59-year-old Schmadtke has been appointed as Liverpool’s new sporting director on an initial one-year deal. Succeeding Julian Ward, who himself stepped in for the brilliant Michael Edwards, the German has been handpicked by Klopp for the vacancy.

And the two men have a busy list of objectives on the table, with Schmadtke charged with overseeing plenty of ins and outs this summer.

His primary objective will be midfield reinforcements. The area – normally a strong suit for Liverpool – was an area of weakness in 2022/23. And with Liverpool occasionally getting overrun in the department – defeats at Brighton and at home to Leeds stand out – the Reds are looking for some key additions this summer.

Thankfully for Liverpool, they have the perfect opportunity to make that happen. Arthur Melo, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all leaving. And Klopp is seeking three signings to fill those positions.

And the first arrival in Alexis Mac Allister appears close, and could soon be followed by a £34.5m Frenchman.

Also on Schmadtke’s agenda this summer though is a new defender. With just a year left on Joel Matip’s deal, Klopp is reportedly open to offers for the 31-year-old star. Making this list of the top 10 free agents in Premier League history, Matip has served the Reds extremely well.

However, his potential departure this summer gives Liverpool the option to bring in a replacement, albeit not their No 1 target.

Liverpool granted clear pass to sign Micky van de Ven

Indeed, that honour would fall on RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol. However, his €80m asking price is far beyond what Liverpool have budgeted for this summer. As stated, the majority of their summer funds are reserved for midfield additions.

As a cheaper alternative, though, Liverpool are reportedly pushing to sign Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven.

The 22-year-old defender has impressed during two seasons in the Bundesliga, having been plucked from Dutch side Volendam by Schmadtke himself.

Now a reunion appears to be on the cards at Anfield. And the very presence of Schmadtke on Merseyside seemingly gives Liverpool a major advantage.

And according to journalist Thomas Gassmann, Liverpool have what looks a clear path to his signing.

Speaking to Waz Online, Gassmann claims Schmadtke ‘wants’ Liverpool to bring Van de Ven to the club this summer.

And with Schmadtke still held in high regards by the Bundesliga club, they will seemingly not stand in Liverpool’s way if they present a reasonable offer for his signing.

While raiding his former club may be seen as a low blow, Gassmann states ‘there is nothing wrong’ with Schmadtke raiding Die Wolfe.

Furthermore, talks between the two clubs are described as being ‘straightforward’. In addition, Wolfsburg are confident Liverpool will offer a fair price for the centre-half should talks commence.

The final say will be left to Klopp to decide if he ‘actually wants to sign’ the Dutchman.

Van de Ven has made 41 appearances over two seasons, scoring once. He has seven caps for Netherlands’ Under-21s side.

Standing 6ft 4in and strong on his left foot, Van de Ven is tipped as a future Netherlands international.

READ MORE: Jorg Schmadtke’s best and worst transfer deals ahead of Liverpool move: Modeste, Weghorst, Osimhen…