Liverpool have been steadily overhauling their staff behind the scenes following Jurgen Klopp’s exit in 2024.
Much of Klopp’s trusted backroom team left along with the German, leaving Arne Slot to cobble together his own group of coaches.
That has not been a completely straightforward process so far, with a number of further changes happening since the Dutchman’s arrival.
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Alisson before Marseille vs Liverpool - UEFA Champions League
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Things have also been evolving in terms of Liverpool’s recruitment team, with the hiring of Richard Hughes as sporting director kicking off a rebuild which has at times felt never-ending.
As part of that, Liverpool have been on the lookout to expand their scouting networks across Europe, advertising a number of positions within the talent-spotting department at Anfield. As Belgian side KV Mechelen announced on Friday, one of those spots has now been filled.
Liverpool hire new Belgium – Netherlands scout
In the last decade or so, Liverpool’s talent identification has been exceptional. Not only have they had an impressive success rate with first-team signings, they have also been excellent at bolstering the academy with top young talents.
It is important to have the right people in the right places in order to do that, and as Mechelen revealed on X on Friday evening, the Reds have hired their former left-back Laurens Paulussen to help them in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Laurens Paulussen of Kvc Westerlo celebrates after scoring against Sporting Lokeren in the Belgian Cup
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“The final transfer of the winter transfer window is a fact,” the Belgian top division side posted.
“Scout and former player Laurens Paulussen is making the move to Liverpool Football Club. Laurens will start working for Liverpool FC as a scout in Belgium – Netherlands.
“The club is particularly proud and wishes Laurens every success.”
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Jeremy Jacquet celebrates after scoring for France during their U19 European Championship match against Turkiye. Jeremy Jacquet during Olympique de Marseille v Stade Rennais - French Cup 2025/2026
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Who is Laurens Paulussen?
The arrival of a European scout may not pique the interests of some Liverpool supporters, but it is always worth noting when a former professional footballer takes on a behind-the-scenes role.
Paulussen is an interesting case as he is only 35 years old and, as a result, is not long retired from a playing career.
He turned out for Mechelen as a left-back for four years between 2014 and 2018 having joined them from fellow top division side Westerlo.
Paulussen never made an impact on the international stage, but having had to contend with a golden generation of Belgian talent that is hardly a surprise.
The Reds have been active when signing players from the Netherlands in recent years, and it will be fascinating to see whether they now make inroads into Belgium as well. If they do, Paulussen will likely have had a hand in it.
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