Michael Edwards returns to Liverpool to lead the post-Jurgen Klopp era as owners FSG release statement
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have confirmed the appointment of Michael Edwards as their new CEO of football.
Edwards will take up a senior role in the American-based company that will see him oversee the running of the Merseyside giants and leading the post-Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield.
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Edwards will be responsible for hiring the Reds' new director of football, expected to be outgoing Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes.
Edwards and Hughes will then be tasked with appointing Klopp's replacement and Xabi Alonso remains firm favourite for that role.
But he will also have broader responsibilities, including the identification, purchase and running of another football club as FSG looks to build their portfolio in football.
Edwards, 44, played a pivotal role in building the squad that delivered Liverpool the Premier League title in 2020 and Champions League crown the year before.
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He was responsible for bringing the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah to the club.
Edwards initially joined Liverpool in 2011, but left the club in 2022.
He was replaced by Julian Ward, who himself was the succeeded by Jorg Schmadtke.
However, Schmadtke announced last month that he would be leaving his role.
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Klopp is also heading for the exit at the end of the season, meaning there will be huge changes behind the scenes at Liverpool in the coming months.
In a statement, Liverpool owners FSG said: "Fenways Sports Group has today announced that Michael Edwards will be joining the organisation in the role of CEO of Football.
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"The 44-year-old executive will assume a broad range of responsibilities, including leading efforts to identify and recruit new leadership for Liverpool's FC's football operation, and supporting the growth of FSG in global football through additional investment and acquisition.
"In this position, Edwards will report directly to FSG's ownership group, led by principle owner John W Henry, chairman Tim Werner and president Mike Gordon."
Edwards initially rejected the offer to return to Liverpool in January following the public announcement of Klopp’s exit, but agreed after recent face-to-face talks with FSG chiefs in Boston.
He added about his return to the Reds and his new role with their American bosses: “I am very grateful to Mike, John, Tom and the ownership group for offering me the opportunity to take on this new leadership role within FSG.
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"I was humbled by the desire and persistence they showed in wanting to work with me again. This is definitely not something that I take for granted given their track record across sport and business.
“It was vital for me that, if I did return, it had to be with renewed vigour and energy. In practice, this means having fresh challenges and opportunities. As such, 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.
“With Liverpool, I will oversee the required reinforcement of football operations, with a number of essential leadership positions needing urgent attention. I know from personal experience what a wonderful job Mike Gordon has done with day-to-day oversight on behalf of his fellow owners.
"Going forward I’m looking forward to working with FSG’s Board of Managers. Also, in assuming this role, I fully understand that it comes with great expectations, and I therefore intend to identify, hire, and subsequently empower leaders who meet and embody the club’s values and ambitions."
“Having served the club previously I need no reminder of how much emotional investment is made by supporters in the city itself, as well as across the UK and the world. I am looking forward to getting started.”
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