Belgian Club Confirms Ex-Player Laurens Paulussen Joins Liverpool's Staff Immediately

KV Mechelen has officially announced that their former player and scout, Laurens Paulussen, has joined Liverpool FC as a scout covering Belgium and the Netherlands, effective immediately. The move, confirmed on February 6, 2026, via the club's X (Twitter) account, marks the final "transfer" of the winter window, though it's an off-field addition.[2][3]

Paulussen, 35, retired from playing in 2022 after a 12-year career in Belgian football, amassing over 260 senior appearances. He featured for clubs including Waasland-Beveren, Westerlo, KV Mechelen, and Lommel, primarily as a right-back or wide midfielder in the Jupiler Pro League and Challenger Pro League. At youth level, he earned Belgium U20 call-ups, including brief appearances (six minutes total) at the 2007 Viareggio Cup, but never secured senior international caps.[2][3]

Since retiring, Paulussen worked as a first-team scout at KV Mechelen from 2022. His expertise in the Benelux region aligns with Liverpool's strategy to strengthen recruitment ties in key European markets ahead of the summer transfer window. The club already has strong connections there through players and operations.[2][3][4]

"De laatste transfer van de wintermercato is een feit. Scout en ex-speler Laurens Paulussen maakt de overstap naar Liverpool Football Club. Laurens zal voor Liverpool FC aan de slag gaan als scout in België – Nederland. De club is bijzonder trots en wenst Laurens veel succes 💪"
— KV Mechelen (@kvmechelen), February 6, 2026[2][3]

This appointment reflects Liverpool's subtle behind-the-scenes refinements under head coach Arne Slot, focusing on marginal gains in scouting rather than drastic changes. It comes amid squad reshaping, including recent signings like Jeremy Jacquet (joining in summer) and highlights from new additions Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.[2]

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