Michael Edwards, who worked with Jurgen Klopp as sporting director and has had a remarkable record in reinforcing a team that has won seven major titles, including the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, and its first domestic league title in 30 years.
In total, he worked for Liverpool for more than 10 years before leaving in the summer of 2022, where he was instrumental in bringing in German manager and acquiring the likes of Egyptian international Mohamed Salah. He then became a non-executive director of Ludonautics, a data consultancy founded by Ian Graham, a former head of research at the Reds.
Since Edwards’ departure, the sporting director at Liverpool has been forced to change every year. And with Klopp also leaving the team this summer, the club was at a turning point, and Fenway Sports Group (FSG) persisted in its negotiations for the return of a talented individual.
Finally, FSG announced Edwards’ return. He has been named CEO of Football and will have broad responsibility for the growth of the soccer division at the Boston-based ownership group through new club acquisitions and investments, in addition to looking for new recruits at Liverpool and overseeing the reinforcement department.
He is said to have received an offer from Chelsea to be the sporting director, and he has been turned down an offer from Liverpool for a similar position, but in making this announcement, he reiterated the background that led him to work with FSG once again.
“It was vital for me that, if I did return, it had to be with renewed vigour and energy. In practice, this means having fresh challenges and opportunities. As such, one of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club, growing this area of their organisation. I believe that to remain competitive, investment and expansion of the current football portfolio is necessary.”
“With Liverpool FC, I will oversee the required reinforcement of football operations, with a number of essential leadership positions needing urgent attention. I know from personal experience what a wonderful job Mike Gordon has done with day-to-day oversight on behalf of his fellow owners. Going forward I’m looking forward to working with FSG’s board of managers.”
“Also, in assuming this role, I fully understand that it comes with great expectations, and I therefore intend to identify, hire, and subsequently empower leaders who meet and embody the club’s values and ambitions.”
Going forward, Edwards, who is part of the FSG ownership group led by owners John W. Henry, Tom Werner, and Mike Gordon, will contribute to the development of not only the Reds but also soccer in a broader sense.
Nevertheless, he will also be involved in the management of Liverpool.
Will he and Richard Hughes, who will be the new Sporting Director, continue to develop the club as it heads into a new era and compete for championships as they do every season.