Man Utd are working to appoint Christopher Vivell. (Image: GETTY)
Manchester United are working to add recruitment specialist Christopher Vivell to the club’s new-look hierarchy as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s latest appointment, according to reports. The Red Devils are said to be eyeing Vivell’s services on a short-term basis during a crucial first summer transfer window of the INEOS regime.
The 37-year-old was named Chelsea’s new technical director in December 2022 before he left after just five months due to concerns over his role in the club’s structure.
He now looks to be closing in on another high-profile role alongside United’s chief football decision-makers Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox.
According to The Athletic, Ratcliffe is hoping to borrow Vivell’s expertise on talent ID and player recruitment at the start of his rebuild project at Old Trafford.
It’s claimed that the German would also offer knowledge and experience surrounding multi-club models, which United are expected to explore in the future.
Prior to his brief spell at Stamford Bridge, Vivell spent six years within the Red Bull network, overseeing hugely successful transfers including Erling Haaland and Benjamin Sesko.
He acted as RB Salzburg’s head scout and sports coordinator from November 2015 to July 2020 before switching to RB Leipzig.
Vivell was named the Bundesliga club’s technical director in August 2020 and also oversaw the role of squad planner before leaving for a new challenge in October 2022.
Christopher Vivell (left) spent five months at Chelsea. (Image: Getty)
The highly-regarded figure was also involved in signing Dominik Szoboszlai and Josko Gvardiol, among other names.
Sky Germany report that a deal to appoint Vivell as United’s director of recruitment has been agreed, with his work permit the final hurdle before official confirmation.
Vivell is expected to support United’s recruitment across the next two transfer windows – this summer and January 2025, which will likely involve planning for next summer.
He looks set to be the fourth respected chief to arrive at Old Trafford since Ratcliffe became co-owner in February.
Jason Wilcox has been working as United’s new technical director for a few months after leaving his position as Southampton’s director of football.
On Monday, the Red Devils announced that they had finally reached an agreement with Newcastle United for sporting director Dan Ashworth.
The 53-year-old had been on gardening leave for over four months while Newcastle demanded £20million. However, a compromise has now been reached, and Ashworth is free to start with immediate effect.
Incoming chief executive Omar Berrada will arrive on July 13 when his gardening leave at Manchester City concludes.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1917722/Man-Utd-news-Chelsea-Erling-Haaland-Benjamin-Sesko