Liverpool have set sight on Michael Edwards as their preferred choice for the role of sporting director.
In their pursuit of a new sporting director, Liverpool are eagerly awaiting a response from Michael Edwards, whom they have designated as their top pick. Journalist Ben Jacobs has informed GIVEMESPORT about Fenway Sports Group’s alternative plans if they are unable to secure an agreement with Edwards.
Following the closure of the winter transfer window, Jorg Schmadtke departed Merseyside after fulfilling his interim role overseeing recruitment. This departure has prompted Liverpool’s top brass, including John W. Henry, to actively search for a replacement in preparation for squad enhancements in the upcoming months.
The quest for a new sporting director coincides with Liverpool’s search for a successor to Jurgen Klopp. The German, who has enjoyed a successful tenure, announced his intention to step down at the end of the season, citing fatigue after a period of substantial achievements at Anfield.
Edwards Hesitant to Seal Liverpool Return Without Assurances
According to The Times, Michael Edwards, the former sporting director of Liverpool, will not consider returning to the club unless he is given full control of football operations. This comes after Fenway Sports Group, the club’s ownership group, made an initial approach to Edwards to become their new sporting director, which he rejected.
The report suggests that Edwards, who left Liverpool in 2022, has shown no signs of wanting to return to Anfield. He has reportedly rejected offers from several clubs, including Chelsea, and a significant change of heart would be needed for him to play a major role in the post-Jurgen Klopp era at Liverpool.
Liverpool first contacted Edwards in January, as Julian Ward’s predecessor, Julian Schmadtke, was nearing the end of his tenure. However, Edwards declined the opportunity to oversee the club’s restructuring, as he was not interested in returning to his former workplace.
Despite the initial rejection, Fenway Sports Group is determined to bring Edwards back. Respected journalist Ben Jacobs recently told GiveMeSport that Liverpool are “going to throw everything they have” at their top target, even though Edwards has indicated to Mike Gordon, Liverpool’s president, that he is not looking for a new challenge.
It is understood that Edwards left Liverpool due to frustration with the level of control given to manager Jurgen Klopp. However, with Klopp’s departure on the horizon, the situation may be different under the next manager.
Ben Jacobs – Fenway Sports Group are Seeking Speedy Response From Edwards
Although Jacobs acknowledges that Liverpool have identified Edwards as their preferred candidate to replace Schmadtke, he understands that Fenway Sports Group is urging him to make a definitive decision on returning to Merseyside in the near future.
The renowned journalist suggests that Bournemouth’s technical director, Richard Hughes, has been identified as a possible alternative option. Additionally, Nice’s sporting director, Florent Ghisolfi, and former AC Milan sporting director, Frederic Massara, could also be considered for an important behind-the-scenes position.
Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT: “Option number one is Michael Edwards, and I think Liverpool want an answer very quickly.
“They would have to, of course, make a formal offer. But I think, by early or mid-March, they will know the answer on the Edwards front. That is approach number one and, if the answer is yes, it’s up to Edwards.
“I think Richard Hughes will be among those on their list after Edwards. If Edwards turns the opportunity down, that is when Liverpool may look at Nice sporting director Florent Ghisolfi and Frederic Massara, who was most recently at AC Milan.”
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