Andrii Fedchenkov is set to be the latest addition to the Liverpool recruitment team in 2027, as Julian Ward looks to make his mark as the Reds' sporting director
Lucas Paqueta was one of the signings Flamengo made under Andrii Fedchenkov
Lucas Paqueta was one of the signings Flamengo made under Andrii Fedchenkov(Image: (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images))
Liverpool's recruitment department is continuing to undergo serious change behind the scenes, as Julian Ward's second stint as sporting director has truly begun.
With the exits of Richard Hughes, Mark Burchill, and Craig McKee all confirmed, it has been the job of their predecessor to put the processes in place to begin a new era of transfer business at Anfield. Among the early changes for Ward is set to be appointment of Andrii Fedchenkov, after reports announced that the 30-year-old Ukrainian is going to leave Flamengo to be part of a new-look scouting team on Merseyside.
While Fedchenkov has had stints at Cardiff City, PAOK, and his native Ukrainian sides Shakhtar Donetsk and Karpaty Lviv, his most senior role has been with Flamengo as the club's head of scouting, as he continues to rise through the ranks and show his ability to spot talent.
With the 30-year-old's deal set to expire with the Brazilian club in December, Liverpool does not have to pay a fee for someone who is highly rated in the industry.
That could see the Reds find those little edges in the market that could help them beat rivals to top talent for the future. So, with that said, here's a look at the last 10 signings made under Fedchenkov's watch as Flamengo's head:
Joaquin Freitas ($8.9 million) — From River Plate
Anthony Valencia ($5.6 million) — From Royal Antwerp
Lucas Paqueta ($46.9 million) — From West Ham
Samuel Lino ($24.6 million) — From Atletico Madrid
Jorge Carrascal ($14 million) — From Dynamo Moscow
Vitao ($11.4 million) — From Sport Club Internacional
Emerson Royal ($10 million) — From AC Milan
Andrew ($1.7 million) — From Gil Vicente
Jorginho (Free) — From Arsenal
Saul Niguez (Free) — From Atletico Madrid
The most notable name and fee on the list is Lucas Paqueta, who Flamengo signed from West Ham after the playmaker made it clear that he didn't wish to stay with the London club. The 29-year-old has already racked up 136 appearances for Flamengo since joining the club, scoring 31 goals and assisting eight along the way.
Lucas Paqueta is one of the more notable signings at Flamengo
Lucas Paqueta is one of the more notable signings at Flamengo(Image: (Photo by Andre Ricardo/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images))
While the Brazilian was a marquee signing, alongside the likes of Samuel Lino, there have been other recognizable names such as Emerson Royal, Jorginho, and Saul Niguez signed for relatively cheap or free transfers.
Working with relatively budget fees has been a theme for some of the business done under Fedchenkov's watch, but it hasn't all been about experience. There has been an eye toward the youth, with Joaquin Freitas an example of his work in looking at youngsters who can progress the team forward.
Since then, Flamengo has gone on to compete at the top stage, currently sitting top of the Brazilian Serie A with 70 points, level alongside Palmeiras in what will be an interesting final few games of the season.
Once that campaign comes to a close in December, then Fedchenkov's work looks set to be done with the club, as he starts a new chapter with Liverpool.