A former Liverpool recruitment specialist who played a key role in the Reds’ achievements under Jurgen Klopp could be set to join another Premier League club
A recruitment specialist previously proved Jurgen Klopp wrong about a Liverpool transfer(Image: Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool recruitment specialist David Fallows could be on his way to a rival Premier League club, with reports suggesting he’s in talks with Chelsea, a year after leaving his post at Anfield. The west London side are keen to add another key figure to their recruitment team.
Chelsea have overhauled their transfer strategy in recent years, focusing on young players with high potential. This approach has been guided by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, who also collaborate with recruitment specialists Joe Shields and Sam Jewell.
According to the Daily Mail, Fallows is set to become another key figure in this group, expected to take up a senior role in scouting and development. He had a 12-year stint at Liverpool before leaving last October.
READ MORE: Arne Slot may need to put long-term Liverpool transfer plan on holdREAD MORE: Thomas Frank agrees with Arne Slot over Florian Wirtz as Tottenham comparison made
In a club statement, Liverpool hailed Fallows as “fundamental” in helping to build the successful squad under Jurgen Klopp. Here’s a detailed look at Fallows’ recruitment career.
Who is David Fallows?
Prior to his time at Liverpool, Fallows held positions at Bolton, Newcastle and Manchester City. Fallows was recruited by Bolton due to his work for ProZone after the club became the first to utilise the player-tracking service, providing in-game data.
In 2012, Fallows was serving as Manchester City’s first-team scouting and recruitment co-ordinator when Liverpool made a move for him and his colleague Barry Hunter. Initially working under Brendan Rodgers, he stayed on throughout Klopp’s reign, overseeing the club’s global network of scouts.
Towards the end of Fallows’ time at Liverpool, the Reds underwent a reshuffle with Richard Hughes stepping into the role of sporting director and former recruitment head Michael Edwards taking up the post of chief executive of football for ownership group FSG. As director of scouting and recruitment, Fallows postponed his departure to help with the transition to Liverpool’s new leadership team.
Jurgen Klopp and Mohamed Salah enjoyed success together at Liverpool(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah transfer
Fallows played a key role in the signings that led to Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League triumphs under Jurgen Klopp. However, his crowning achievement is likely convincing the club to sign Mohamed Salah.
The Mirror reported that Salah wasn’t Klopp’s first choice when looking to strengthen his frontline in 2017. The Liverpool manager reportedly favoured then-Bayer Leverkusen forward Julian Brandt, now with Borussia Dortmund, but Fallows insisted on signing Salah, despite Klopp’s preference.
After making the switch from Roma, Salah quickly proved Fallows’ decision right. The Liverpool legend has netted an impressive 248 goals in 412 appearances for the Reds, along with providing 116 assists.
Michael Edwards previously praised Fallows’ work at Liverpool(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
‘Fundamental’ role at Liverpool
In October 2024, Liverpool released a statement praising Fallows’ contributions to the club. His pivotal role in recruitment was hailed as ‘fundamental’ in propelling the Reds to domestic and European triumphs; a sentiment echoed by former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards, who is now FSG’s chief executive of football.
In the announcement confirming Fallows’ exit, Edwards stated: “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 an earlier open letter to Liverpool fans, Edwards said about 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.”
