Premier League heavyweights Liverpool are reportedly concerned that Ian Graham will join Manchester United when he leaves the club.
According to a report by Football Insider, concerns are brewing at Liverpool about Ian Graham and his next move. The Reds believe their Director of Research will join Manchester United when he leaves the club in May.
Major changes are coming at Liverpool Football Club in the coming months following the recent announcement by the Fenway Sports Group. The Merseyside outfit’s owners have put the club up for sale. And several backroom personnel have reportedly decided to part ways with Liverpool in the wake of the official communication.
One key man destined to leave Liverpool is Ian Graham, although his decision precedes the announcement by FSG. The Reds’ Director of Research submitted his resignation in June of last year and is currently serving a 12-month notice period. And the Premier League giants fear he will join bitter rival Manchester United ahead of next season.
Graham might not be the only key backroom staff recently associated with Liverpool to move to Manchester United. Recent reports have also linked former transfer guru Michael Edwards with the Red Devils. And the latest claims point to Manchester United closing in on securing his services. And Edwards might soon reunite with Ian Graham.
Worrying developments at LFC in critical roles. Michael Edwards’ exit was sizeable enough, now his successor Julian Ward, and director of research Ian Graham – widely viewed as the best in the business – will also depart, all as Mike Gordon takes a step back. Too much change 😬
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) November 24, 2022
Graham has been with Liverpool for over a decade after joining them in 2012. And he has risen through the ranks at the Merseyside club to become the director of research. Graham worked closely with Michael Edwards in recent years in Liverpool’s data department, primarily focusing on recruitment and player analysis.
Considering Liverpool’s success rate in signing players during Edwards and Graham’s tenure together, Manchester United will be eager to reunite the duo at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have often faltered in identifying the right solutions for their problem areas. And Edwards and Graham might mitigate the issue if they join Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Edwards’s successor Julian Ward is also set to leave Liverpool. And the Reds have shown interest in Sven Mislintat to become their next director of football. As for Ian Graham, it will be interesting to see if Liverpool’s fears manifest into reality next season.
