Max Lüftl appointed director of scouting and transfers

The new role brings together several key elements of strategic squad planning, including scouting for the first team and the Knappenschmiede academy, supporting players out on loan and working closely with partner clubs. Lüftl’s remit across these areas covers every stage of development, from immediate requirements to long-term planning. This work will involve close collaboration across the club, including with the first-team department led by Youri Mulder (director of professional football) and the sports technology department.

“If we want to remain competitive in the Bundesliga over the long term while also creating value, our scouting operation needs to be fully aligned and geared towards the lasting success of our first team,” explained Baumann. “That process starts with the youngest age groups in the Knappenschmiede and becomes more focused from U17s level onwards. This is where clearly defined positional profiles come into play, tailored to the medium-term needs of the first team and our style of play. These are complex processes involving a number of departments and need to be carefully planned and implemented. We are convinced that this step gives us the best possible framework to do that.”

Closer links between the Knappenschmiede and the first team

The new role brings a range of challenges for Lüftl. Speaking on behalf of the entire board, Baumann commented: “Max made an excellent start to life at Schalke during the winter transfer window and has also shown in our preparations for the summer why we placed our trust in him. He is a genuine team player and forms a strong leadership trio within the sporting department alongside Miron Muslic and Youri Mulder. We have complete confidence in Max’s ability to take this step and are delighted that his expertise and hard work will continue to drive Schalke 04 forward.”

Lüftl is ready to approach his new responsibilities with real energy: “First of all, I would like to thank Frank and the entire board for their trust. Success only comes when people work together, stay focused and give everything towards a shared goal. That is what we have at Schalke. I’m therefore looking forward to continuing to work with Youri, Miron and the teams as we pursue our next goal of establishing ourselves in the Bundesliga. At the same time, we want to bring even more talent into the Knappenschmiede and give Jakob Fimpel, Norbert Elgert and Charles Takyi as many talented prospects as possible to work with. Only if we achieve that will we see players developed in our own academy representing the first team at the VELTINS-Arena in three to five years’ time.”