British media: Downing returns to Liverpool as a global scout and recommends players through video analysis

May 23 thisisanfield reported that former Liverpool winger Downing returned to the club to serve as a global scout.

Downing unexpectedly returned to Liverpool after announcing his retirement four years ago and became a member of the team behind the scenes. He played for Liverpool for two seasons between 2011 and 2013 but failed to become a long-term main player after a transfer from Aston Villa for £20 million. Downing was one of the important signings in Kenny Dalglish's first summer transfer window after returning to the head coach position, but his performance was not up to expectations. However, now he will return to Liverpool as a global scout, which could bring new changes.

Previously, the club released job advertisements for seven new positions in December last year, and Downing, 40, successfully interviewed and will work under chief scout Barry Hunter. Downing will be responsible for recommending players to Liverpool's recruitment team through video analysis.

This is not Downing's first football job since retired in 2021. He has served as an assistant coach for Leeds United's U21 team and ended his career as a champion team Blackburn. Although he has not been stable at Liverpool, scoring only seven goals and nine assists in 91 appearances, it is believed that he can contribute to the club's success in this new position.

Downing is not the only former player currently serving at Liverpool. Jay Spirin, Michael Thomas and Jon Newby all worked full-time positions, while Rob Jones and Steve McManaman served as part-time mentors. Former Newcastle defender Andy O'Brien and former Swansea midfielder Mark Gore are also part of the club's scout network.

Liverpool has also appointed a new head of loan management, loan path manager and loan performance analyst, and is looking for regional scouts from the Netherlands and Belgium and two scouts from the rest of Europe. Downing has made 722 appearances for clubs including Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Aston Villa, Liverpool, West Ham and Blackburn in his 20-year career, and has played 35 times for England.