Michael Edwards has been confirmed as the new chief executive officer of football for Fenway Sports Group (FSG) with a remit to oversee day to day operations at Liverpool.
Edwards enjoyed 10 hugely successful years as Liverpool’s sporting director between 2012 and 2022, leaving after the Reds went close to winning an unprecedented quadruple in the 2021-22 season.
Read our other sports news stories here:
Klopp labels his side a ‘gritty, annoying pain’
Edwards set for Liverpool return
bet365 Rolls Out ‘Super Boost’ TV Campaign for Cheltenham Enthusiasts
His return was announced this morning by club owners FSG and he will be tasked with undertaking a rebuild at Anfield in the post-Jurgen Klopp era.
Edwards said: “I am very grateful to Mike [Gordon], John [Henry], Tom [Werner] 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.”
Edwards will succeed FSG president Mike Gordon as the day-to-day decision-maker at Anfield.
He added: “With Liverpool 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.
“Having served the club previously I need no reminder of how much emotional investment is made by supporters in the city itself, as well as across the UK and the world. I am looking forward to getting started.”
Gordon is thrilled to have Edwards back in the FSG fold. He said: “Michael is one of the most formidable executive talents in world football and John [Henry], Tom [Werner], and I are absolutely thrilled to have secured his services for our business.
“He returns to us in a role with greater seniority than he held previously and with a wider remit. It was clear when we initially reached out to him that a broader scope would be a key motivating factor for any potential return to the industry. In this regard – and many others – his ambitions matched ours.”
One of the most pressing issues facing Edwards upon his return will be the appointment of a permanent sporting director.
Jorg Schmadtke performed the role on a short-term basis to help Klopp with last summer’s midfield overhaul, after Julian Ward held the position for the 2022-23 season.
Bournemouth’s outgoing technical director Richard Hughes is expected to land the job, with the new man likely to play a key role in the search for Klopp’s successor.
Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is Liverpool’s top target, but reports from Germany have suggested he may opt to remain in the Bundesliga by joining Bayern Munich.
Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann have been touted as alternatives, as Liverpool prepare to replace one of the most beloved managers in their history.
