Michael Edwards’ departure from Liverpool is set to create a significant impact among the club’s supporters, though much of his transformative work is already accomplished.
Widely considered a pivotal architect in Liverpool’s recent successes, Edwards’ exit was confirmed by the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), on Friday. He will step down from his position as the chief executive of football operations.
A major factor contributing to Edwards’ decision to leave is believed to be FSG’s decision to halt their plans for expanding by acquiring an additional football club.
In essence, much of his undertaking in readying Liverpool for a future beyond Jurgen Klopp’s tenure has been largely fulfilled.
Though FSG was eager to keep him within the organization, they have, albeit reluctantly, accepted his choice to move on.
Michael Edwards (centre) is one of the key figures in Liverpool’s modern history – but has left the club a year before the end of his contract
Edwards with former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon
Beneath the surface though, it had become increasingly clear around Anfield that Edwards wasn’t going to stick around beyond the three-year contract he signed with such fanfare in March 2024.
Having already played the role of transfer guru, he had eschewed offers to become director of football elsewhere, including Manchester United.
No, the job he signed up for had to be new, different, more creative. It involved identifying and then running a second football club for FSG, expanding their football horizons. He believed a multi-club project was pivotal in terms of ensuring that Liverpool were competing on a level playing field with their rivals.
However, more than two years later, after analysis on over 25 clubs, and with FSG having investigated possible deals for French side Bordeaux, plus Spanish clubs Malaga and Getafe, they opted not to pursue them.
Cost was one consideration, but another was UEFA’s tightening of regulations with two clubs under the same ownership structure unable to compete in the same European competition.
With no second club project in the offing, it was just a case of when rather than if Edwards would depart.
Over the course of his return, extensive work was carried out exploring opportunities across different markets. That included the potential multi-club models, strategic partnerships and other ways of strengthening FSG’s position within football, including a consultancy-style branch much like Brighton owner Tony Bloom’s Jamestown Analytics.
But, as that work progressed, it became clear that the opportunity Edwards originally returned for was unlikely to develop in the way both sides had envisaged.
It’s perhaps no surprise that Richard Hughes will follow suit at the end of the window. Edwards had stayed to support his friend, who will jet off to Al Hilal when the window closes
After analysis on over 25 clubs, FSG (led by John W Henry, third left) opted not to pursue them
With a new era about to dawn at Anfield following the appointment of Andoni Iraola, leaving now makes sense.
It’s perhaps no surprise that Richard Hughes will follow suit in the coming months. Edwards had stayed to support his friend and transfer plans are in place but Liverpool will have to commence a search for a new sporting director, too.
Incumbent Hughes, whose contract is due to expire in 2027, is expected to move to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
The man who sacked Arne Slot and appointed Iraola as his replacement, a decision taken in tandem with Edwards, will depart once the summer transfer window closes.
FSG’s president, Mike Gordon, is expected to resume a more hands-on role in the absence of Edwards, while technical director Julian Ward could also adopt a new position.
It’s a period of transition Liverpool, historically, are uncomfortable with.
However, Edwards leaves feeling satisfied that the key work he returned to do has largely been completed. Liverpool have come through a major period of change, the football leadership structure he put in place, he believes, is strong and well-equipped for the future.
Succession planning is there, preparation and planning is complete for the upcoming season and a new coaching team has been appointed with a clear vision for the next phase of the club’s development. He leaves believing Liverpool are in an excellent position to move forward and build on that foundation.
Gordon is expected to resume a more hands-on role in the absence of Edwards, while technical director Julian Ward (pictured) could also adopt a new position
With a new era about to dawn at Anfield following the appointment of Andoni Iraola, leaving now makes sense for Edwards
Edwards said: ‘When I returned, I was excited not only by the opportunity to help guide Liverpool through an important period of transition, but also by the chance to help shape FSG’s wider football ambitions.
‘While that broader project ultimately evolved differently to how we had originally envisaged, I am proud of the work our team undertook in presenting ownership with a broad range of thoughtful and well-developed options for the future.’
Edwards has always maintained that sustainable success comes from smart recruitment, player development, strong leadership and long-term planning. Those principles remain firmly embedded within the club’s football operation.
The overriding questions will be whether they can execute those transfer plans to good effect this summer and whether not buying that second club will be to the detriment of their development.
