Michael Edwards is on the brink of finalising a key role within Fenway Sports Group, which would see the former Liverpool executive assume responsibility for overseeing the club’s football operations, according to The Athletic.
Liverpool are currently undergoing a significant transformation following Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down as manager this summer, accompanied by the imminent departure of his closest staff.
Additionally, sporting director Jorg Schmadtke has already left his role.
The Athletic claims that should Edwards accept the offer from FSG, it is anticipated that Richard Hughes, recently confirmed as departing Bournemouth technical director, will step into the vacant sporting director position.
This move represents a crucial step in the restructuring process for Liverpool’s leadership team.
It was reported by The Guardian that FSG held talks with the former Reds sporting director in Boston on Sunday to explore the possibility of his return and play a pivotal role in shaping the post-Jürgen Klopp era at Anfield.
John W Henry, FSG’s principal owner, and president Mike Gordon were part of the discussions aimed at convincing Edwards, who left the club in 2022 to spearhead Liverpool’s transition when Klopp departs after nine successful years as manager.
Regarded as the ideal candidate by FSG, Edwards is currently a consultant at Ludonautics, a sports advisory business.
While he rejected an initial approach in January to resume his role as sporting director, it’s suggested that Edwards may consider returning if offered a more influential position, possibly as head of football operations, where he would have broader control.
In such a role, he would oversee recruitment and analytics departments and play a crucial role in appointing a new sporting director and Liverpool’s manager, with Xabi Alonso being the front-runner to succeed Klopp.
FSG’s persistent efforts to rehire Edwards underscore their belief in his ability to shape Liverpool’s future.
The search for a permanent sporting director has intensified since Julian Ward’s unexpected departure in the summer of 2023.
Jörg Schmadtke served as a temporary solution to assist Klopp’s rebuild but left at the end of the January transfer window.
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