Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group (FSG) is in the process of pursuing Benfica’s technical director Pedro Marques, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance its organizational structure following the appointment of Michael Edwards, according to The Athletic.
FSG recently confirmed Edwards’ appointment to the role of CEO of football operations, granting him oversight of Liverpool’s entire sporting infrastructure.
One of Edwards’ primary responsibilities will involve spearheading the acquisition and management of a second club, a strategic move he emphasized as pivotal in his decision-making process.
Edwards said: “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.”
The recruitment of Pedro Marques is a key component of FSG’s strategy, with the intention of tapping into his expertise to support this ambitious project.
It’s worth noting that Marques would be employed directly by the Boston-based FSG rather than Liverpool.
Marques’ extensive background in this field positions him as a valuable asset for FSG, particularly in facilitating the identification and subsequent management of another club.
This new entity will primarily serve as a platform to attract top-tier global talent, aligning with FSG’s broader objectives.
Marques embarked on his professional journey as a youth coach at Sporting CP in 2004.
Over the years, he progressed within the industry, eventually assuming the role of first-team performance analyst at Manchester City in 2010.
Notably, this period coincided with former Reds sporting director Julian Ward’s tenure as a scout for the club.
In 2014, Marques transitioned into a coaching and analysis leadership position within the City Football Group (CFG), marking his initial foray into the multi-club model.
Rather than solely focusing on Manchester City, he played a pivotal role in overseeing operations across multiple clubs within the group.
These included New York City FC, Melbourne City FC, and Yokohama F. Marinos, all of which CFG either held shares in or acquired ownership of in 2014.
By the time of his departure in 2018, CFG had established stakes in six clubs spanning the globe.
Subsequently, Marques assumed the role of youth technical director at Benfica.
Notably, in 2022, he was instrumental in the negotiations that culminated in the transfer of Darwin Nunez for £64 million, with then-Reds sporting director Ward representing the opposing party in the discussions.
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