Liverpool agreement announced after Newcastle United links and Chelsea & Manchester United snub

The summer of this year will see a reorganization of Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp’s formal resignation as manager.

Michael Edwards (left), Jurgen Klopp (middle) and Mike Gordon (right) // (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Following his announcement as the new CEO of Football at Fenway Sports Group, Michael Edwards is making a return to Liverpool.

After serving as the Reds’ sporting director for two years, Edwards recently declined a chance to return when it became clear that Jurgen Klopp would not be staying after the season.

Although Edwards reportedly turned down offers from Manchester United and Chelsea as well, a larger role with FSG has the 44-year-old enticed him to return to the game.

Edwards ‘will assume a broad range of responsibilities including leading efforts to identify and recruit new leadership for Liverpool’s football operation, and supporting the growth of FSG in global football through additional investment and acquisition,’ according to FSG.

The appointment of a new sporting director, most likely Richard Hughes, who is leaving his role as technical director at AFC Bournemouth this summer, will be among Edwards’ first tasks.

“John, Tom, and I are ecstatic to have acquired Michael’s services for our company. He is among the most impressive executive talent in the world of football,” FSG President Mike Gordon said. “He comes back to us with more seniority and a broader role than he had before.”

“When we first contacted him, it was evident that a larger scope would be a crucial driving force behind any prospective return to the industry. His goals aligned with ours in this and many other ways.”

After more than ten years at Anfield, Edwards was instrumental in assembling the team that won the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League for the first time for Liverpool in 2020. He signed players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson.

Edwards expressed his gratitude to Mike, John, Tom, and the ownership group for giving him the chance to assume the new leadership position at FSG. 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 do not take this for granted.