Edwards returns to Liverpool to lead club into post-Klopp era
Published 12/03/2024 at 12:35 GMT
Michael Edwards will return to Liverpool in a new role as head of football operations. In his previous role as sporting director, he was credited with making several key signings, including goalkeeper Alisson, defender Virgil van Dijk and forwards Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. Edwards will look to hire a new sporting director and also a replacement for manager Jurgen Klopp.Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards (left) and manager Jurgen Klopp
Image credit: Getty Images
Former sporting director Michael Edwards is set to return to Liverpool and will be tasked with leading the club into the post-Jurgen Klopp era.
Edwards left Liverpool in 2022 following 11 years at the club.
He has been working as a consultant for sports management business Ludonautics, but he is leaving that role to take over as CEO of football at Liverpool.
He will report directly to Liverpool’s ownership group at Fenway Sports Group, led by owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner, and president Mike Gordon.
Edwards said in a statement: “I am very grateful to Mike, John, Tom and the ownership group for offering me the opportunity to take on this new leadership role within FSG.
“I was humbled by the desire and persistence they showed in wanting to work with me again. This is definitely not something that I take for granted given their track record across sport and business.
“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.”
One of Edwards’ first tasks looks to be to appoint a new sporting director at Liverpool.
Liverpool have been without a sporting director following Jorg Schmadtke’s exit at the end of the January transfer window.
There is also the small matter of finding a successor for Klopp.
Former Liverpool midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso appears to be one of the leading contenders for the position.
However, recent face-to-face talks paved the way for a deal to be secured.
Edwards joined Liverpool in 2011 and was appointed sporting director in 2016.
The club made several key signings during his time, including goalkeeper Alisson, defender Virgil van Dijk and forwards Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
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