Michael Edwards is leaving his role as CEO of football operations for Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group.
The 47-year-old has overseen enormous success at the Reds across two spells – first as the club’s sporting director between 2016 and 2022.
After two years away, he returned to Anfield in 2024 in an expanded role, working above Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, whom Edwards appointed. Liverpool won the Premier League for a second time under Arne Slot a year later.
But in a major blow to the club, Edwards is now walking away for a second time, a year before his contract had been due to expire.
Michael Edwards (centre, to the left of sporting director Richard Hughes) is leaving Liverpool
Edwards (left) with boss Jurgen Klopp and FSG president Mike Gordon. Together, Klopp and Edwards delivered Premier League and Champions League glory
When appointed, Edwards was said to be enthused by overseeing FSG’s expansion into a multi-club model.
However, two years on, there have been no concrete developments on that front. And it appears that lack of progress has frustrated Edwards.
He earned a reputation as a transfer guru in his first stint at Anfield. Initially appointed as head of performance analysis, he was promoted several times before becoming sporting director in 2016.
Liverpool’s data-led recruitment was extraordinarily successful during Edwards’ tenure. The likes of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane were signed for bargain fees and propelled the club to Champions League and Premier League glory in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
At this stage, it is unclear what Edwards’ next move will be. However, he attracted interest from several top clubs during his previous break from Liverpool – including Manchester United and Chelsea.
More to follow.
