Chelsea are reportedly 'in discussions' to appoint former Liverpool director of scouting and recruitment Dave Fallows to a senior sporting leadership role at Stamford Bridge. The 45-year-old spent 12 years with the Reds, departing in October 2024, and played an instrumental role in signing the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, who would spearhead the club's first Premier League title win in 30 years.
Former Liverpool recruiting chief set for Chelsea move
Reported by The Athletic, Fallows is expected to make the move to Stamford Bridge, where he would work in partnership with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, and co-directors of recruitment and talent Joe Shields and Sam Jewell.
His main responsibilities would be expected to include scouting, player pathways and football development, roles he was familiar with during a highly successful period at Liverpool.
Less than a year on from departing the Reds, some of the crucial signings overseen by Fallows are still on display at Anfield, such as Salah, Alisson and Andy Robertson. He first arrived at the club in 2012, following previous roles with Manchester City, Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers.
His time at Liverpool saw much success under Jurgen Klopp, as the club won honours such as the Premier League and the Champions League, in addition to the League Cup (twice), the FA Cup, the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
Fallows helped drive Liverpool's data-led approach to player recruitment, introduced following Brendan Rodgers' appointment as manager in 2012, which helped to uncover some of the gems who led the club to huge success on the pitch under Klopp.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesFallows and Liverpool board speak following his 2024 departure
"I have been very privileged to work for this incredible football club," said Fallows. "The fantastic people here starting with the supporters make it so special – to have had the opportunity to work with so many talented players and colleagues past and present who are now friends is something I am very grateful for.
"The leadership here is world-class. I have no doubt they will continue to thrive. They are supported by great people across many departments who I will miss working with but will continue to stay close to.
"There are far too many to mention but I am especially grateful to Barry Hunter and all those within the recruitment department who have been a joy to work alongside. Leaving in the knowledge that I will be leaving this place in such great shape is something that means a lot to me."
FSG's CEO of football, Michael 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."
Sporting director Richard Hughes added: "David's reputation is second to none in his field and his achievements at the club mean he leaves with utmost gratitude and affection.
"It speaks volumes about Dave that he remained with us to help with the transition and settling-in of a new football leadership team, including myself. I will always be grateful for his advice and assistance during this period."
Sending off was worth it – Maresca
Chelsea overcame Liverpool on the pitch ahead of the international break, head coach Enzo Maresca receiving a sending off and subsequent touchline ban as a result of his celebrations for Estevao's stoppage-time winner. The Italian would later claim the sending off was worth it.
"It was a nice moment," said Maresca. "Last season, I was banned for one game for the accumulation of yellow cards. Again, the last yellow card was against Fulham away, where we won a game in the last minute.
"So I think it's part of our job, the moment, the passion, the reaction, and I think it's also nice for everyone, for the fans, for the stadium. It was just a reaction."
On an £8,000 fine from the FA, Maresca said: "It's a lot, but it's the rule. I think it was a reaction, a nice reaction. I was very happy in that moment. I need to accept the consequences. I'm quite happy to accept the consequences after that goal."
Maresca was asked if it was worth it, to which he simply replied: "Yes."
Getty ImagesChelsea may dream of title challenge with help of Fallows
Chelsea's recruitment policy has at times been questioned in recent years, but the most recent transfer window saw things begin to come into place as vast sums of money were made by selling an array of young squad players, justifying the 'scattergun' recruitment policy the Blues have been famed for under Todd Boehly.
The next step for the Blues becomes building on outstanding recent signings such as Moises Caicedo, currently injured talisman Cole Palmer and Estevao to form a squad capable of winning the Premier League title. Whether they are there yet remains to be seen, but the help of Fallows may just drive the Blues that extra step closer.