A recruitment specialist who played a key role in Liverpool's success under Jurgen Klopp could be set to join another Premier League club
Jurgen Klopp
A recruitment specialist stood up to Jurgen Klopp during his time as Liverpool manager
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Former Liverpool recruitment specialist David Fallows could soon be joining a rival Premier League club. He is reportedly in talks with Chelsea, a year on from leaving his post at Anfield.
Chelsea have revamped their transfer strategy in recent years, focusing on young players with high potential. These recruitment plans have been overseen by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, who also work alongside recruitment specialists Joe Shields and Sam Jewell.
The Daily Mail reports that Fallows would become another key figure in that group and is expected to occupy a senior role in scouting and development. He spent 12 years at Liverpool before his departure last October.
Who is David Fallows?
Before arriving at Liverpool, Fallows had previously held positions at Bolton, Newcastle and Manchester City. The Liverpool Echo reports that Fallows was hired by Bolton through his work for ProZone after the club became the first to use the player-tracking service that provided in-game data.
In 2012, Fallows was working as Manchester City’s first-team scouting and recruitment co-ordinator when Liverpool swooped for him and his colleague Barry Hunter. He initially worked under Brendan Rodgers but remained at the club throughout Klopp’s tenure, coordinating the club’s worldwide network of scouts.
The Reds underwent a restructuring last year, with Richard Hughes being appointed as the club’s new sporting director and former recruitment chief Michael Edwards becoming the chief executive of football for ownership group FSG. As director of scouting and recruitment, Fallows delayed his exit from the club to help with the transition to Liverpool’s new leadership team.
Mohamed Salah transfer
Fallows helped contribute to the signings that would see Liverpool enjoy Premier League and Champions League glory under Jurgen Klopp. However, his biggest success story is likely to be convincing the club to sign Mohamed Salah.
Jurgen Klopp and Mohamed Salah
Jurgen Klopp and Mohamed Salah enjoyed success together at Liverpool
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It has previously been reported that Salah was not Klopp’s preferred target when looking to bolster his frontline in 2017. The Liverpool boss is thought to have favoured a move for then-Bayer Leverkusen forward Julian Brandt, who currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, but Fallows insisted on the club signing Salah, despite Klopp's preference.
After completing his move from Roma, Salah quickly helped vindicate Fallows’ decision. The Liverpool icon has scored an astonishing 248 goals in 412 appearances for the Reds as well as providing 116 assists.
‘Fundamental’ role at Liverpool
In October 2024, a club statement from Liverpool thanked Fallows for his contributions to the club. His work in recruitment was described as “fundamental” in helping the Reds achieve domestic and European glory; a sentiment that was echoed by former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards, who now works for the club’s ownership group FSG.
Michael Edwards
Michael Edwards previously praised Fallows' work at Liverpool
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In the statement confirming Fallows’ departure, Edwards said: “Dave has been a trusted colleague for over 10 years and a close friend for two decades.
“I respect his decision and wish him nothing but success with whatever he does next. He and his family will always be welcome at our club after the contribution he has made. We will miss him.”
In a previous open letter to Liverpool supporters, Edwards said of Fallows: "Dave is simply Google, I’ve never known anyone with a memory like his or an ability to think outside of the box when innovative solutions are required."
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