Breaking News: Michael Edwards explains why he agreed to Liverpool return after private talks with Man Utd

Michael Edwards has been lured back to Liverpool by Fenway Sports Group (Image: PA)

Although Manchester United and other teams have previously expressed interest in former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards, he has now decided to take a new position at Anfield.

Michael Edwards cited Fenway Sports Group’s “desire and persistence” as one of the things that motivated him to come back to Liverpool.

Edwards was a significant figure at Anfield before he left his position as sporting director nearly two years ago. After weeks of rumors, the club’s ownership group has now persuaded him to return and lead the post-Jurgen Klopp era.

Edwards’ appointment to the position of chief executive officer of football at FSG is seen as a major coup for a team that will lose its leader when Klopp departs at the end of the current campaign. Edwards reportedly rejected Liverpool’s first offer, but FSG’s persistent efforts and the possibility of a more expansive role convinced him to agree to the company’s most recent offer.

“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,” Edwards said in a Tuesday afternoon speech outlining the reasons for his return. The tenacity and desire they displayed in wanting to collaborate with me once more humbled me. Considering their background in both business and sports, I can’t take this for granted.

“I needed to make sure that if I were to come back, it would be with a fresh sense of purpose and enthusiasm. In real life, this translates into new chances and challenges.

Thus, my decision was primarily influenced by their commitment to expand this aspect of their organization by acquiring and managing a second club. I think that in order for football to stay competitive, there needs to be investment and portfolio expansion.

“I will be in charge of Liverpool FC’s necessary football operations reinforcement, as there are a few critical leadership positions that require immediate attention. I can personally attest to Mike Gordon’s excellent work managing the day-to-day operations on behalf of his fellow owners.

Fenway Sports Group, led by John Henry and Tom Werner, targeted Edwards to lead the post-Jurgen Klopp era ( Image: Christopher Evans/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)

In the future, I’m excited to collaborate with the Board of Managers at FSG. Furthermore, I am aware that this position carries high expectations, so I plan to find, select, and then give authority to leaders who share the goals and values of the club.”

Edwards has stated repeatedly that he had no interest in accepting another sporting director position, even though some of the biggest clubs in England had expressed interest in hiring him in recent years. Rather, he and his former Liverpool colleague Dr. Ian Graham founded the football advisory firm Ludonautics last year.

However, some suitors were not exactly turned off by Edwards’s stance. The Telegraph has confirmed that after negotiations, Edwards rejected approaches from Manchester United and Chelsea, who had both made attempts to sign him. Liverpool has also made two unsuccessful attempts to entice him back.

Edwards will officially begin his new position on June 1st. He will take over from Mike Gordon as the person in charge of managing Liverpool on a daily basis and will be responsible for selecting the team’s next manager.