Michael Edwards continues to be the top target for Liverpool’s sporting director position, with the potential for his return hinging on the assurance of greater control than he previously had during his tenure.
Having been an integral part of Liverpool for more than ten years, Edwards commenced his journey as an analyst and progressively ascended to the role of sporting director during his final six years at Anfield.
His contributions have garnered immense admiration from FSG, as he played a pivotal role in the club’s success. Edwards orchestrated deals for iconic Liverpool figures such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho, and Alisson, while also adeptly negotiating lucrative transfer fees for players surplus to Klopp’s requirements, including Christian Benteke, Mamadou Sakho, and Jordon Ibe, fetching a total of £70m for the trio.
On Edwards’ impact, chairman Tom Werner said: “I want to acknowledge Michael’s reign as sporting director. He’s been instrumental. You could point to player after player who was identified before they became superstars. Going back to Mohamed Salah, Michael identified him.
“He’s very quiet about the way he goes about his business but he’s really been critical to our success. We’re competing against clubs who spend massive amounts of money on transfers. One of Michael’s correct strategies once we’ve identified players is making sure there’s an extension of those contracts.”
FSG is currently in the process of seeking a new sporting director following Julian Ward’s departure after just a year in the role, succeeding Edwards.
Jorg Schmadtke’s agreement was only for a short-term period. Frederic Massara, previously at AC Milan, and Florent Ghisolfi from Nice were both considered, but the owners remain keen on Edwards reunion.
Mike Gordon, FSG’s president, reportedly reached out to Edwards soon after Klopp announced his departure, offering him a return to Anfield or a senior position within FSG. Edwards declined, but The Athletic reports that the owners want assurance of his unavailability before pursuing other targets.
Offering Edwards more authority and influence than his previous tenure could be a persuasive incentive. Klopp’s growing influence in decision-making, especially in transfers and contracts, contributed to Edwards’ discomfort and eventual departure in 2022.
According to The Telegraph, there were debates internally regarding the wisdom and worth of contract renewals for senior players prior to Edwards’ exit.
While Mohamed Salah’s contract extension proved beneficial, Liverpool may consider themselves fortunate that Sadio Mane rejected an offer and ultimately moved to Bayern Munich. The club were also in talks to extend Naby Keita’s contract before reconsidering their stance.
A fresh manager, potentially someone like Xabi Alonso, would lack the significant influence Klopp has wielded in recent years. If Edwards assumes the role, he’ll confront comparable dilemmas regarding contract extensions for senior players.
Both Salah and Van Dijk’s contracts expire in 2025, necessitating new deals this summer to prevent their departure on a free transfer.
Despite their outstanding performance this season, at 31 and 32 respectively, Edwards’ historical hesitance to renew contracts for older players could result in the departure of two key assets critical not only to Liverpool’s success but also to his reputation as a football administrator.
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