Michael Edwards has resigned from his position as chief executive of football for Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the owners of Liverpool Football Club. His departure, confirmed on Friday, marks the end of his second tenure with the organisation, having initially informed FSG in autumn 2025 of his intention to leave once he felt plans for Liverpool’s future were established. FSG had expressed a desire for him to remain in the role.
Edwards’ decision is reportedly linked to FSG’s abandonment of plans to acquire a second club to add to its football portfolio. He had been brought back to Liverpool in March 2024 with a broader mandate than his previous role as the club’s first sporting director, a position he held from 2016 to 2022. A significant part of this broader remit was to expand FSG’s football operations, which included exploring multi-club ownership and strategic partnerships.
Despite an extensive search that involved analysing approximately 25 clubs across Europe, with a particular focus on Spain, Portugal, and France, FSG did not proceed with any acquisitions. Clubs such as Getafe, Bordeaux, and Malaga were considered. The plans to purchase a second club were effectively shelved last year, which reportedly left Edwards frustrated by the impasse. This development ultimately put Edwards’ position in question, leading to his departure with a year remaining on his contract.
Edwards stated that it had been a privilege to return to FSG and Liverpool at a crucial time. He expressed confidence that Liverpool is in a strong position with a clear direction for continued success. He also noted that while the broader project to shape FSG’s wider football ambitions evolved differently than initially envisioned, he was proud of the work undertaken by his team in presenting various options to ownership. It is not expected that Edwards will receive a payoff, as his departure was a personal decision.
FSG’s president, Mike Gordon, is anticipated to take on a more direct role in the absence of Edwards. Gordon praised Edwards’ consistent demonstration of exceptional judgment and commitment to building a strong football organisation. He highlighted Edwards’ contribution during Liverpool’s transition period, which saw the club secure its 20th English league title. Edwards first joined Liverpool in November 2011 as head of performance analysis, later becoming sporting director in 2016.
During his initial spell, Edwards earned a reputation as a skilled negotiator. His collaboration with Jürgen Klopp was instrumental in building the team that won the Champions League in 2019 and ended the club’s 30-year wait for a league title with the Premier League victory the following season. After stepping down as sporting director in 2022, he declined numerous job offers from European clubs, including approaches from Manchester United and Chelsea, before returning to FSG in 2024.
Upon his return, Edwards was tasked with overseeing the transition from the Klopp era. He was responsible for appointing Richard Hughes as sporting director and bringing back Julian Ward as FSG technical director. Edwards was also involved in the decision to appoint Andoni Iraola as head coach, following the departure of Arne Slot, who had led Liverpool to their 20th Premier League title in 2025 but was replaced after a below-par second season.
Edwards’ exit is not anticipated to impact Liverpool’s summer transfer activities, as transfer business is managed by Sporting Director Richard Hughes, and plans for the current window are already in place. However, Edwards’ departure adds to the uncertainty surrounding the club’s hierarchy. Hughes, whose contract is set to expire in 2027, has been linked with a move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. It is suggested that Hughes could depart once the summer transfer window concludes.
The multi-club ownership model was a key factor in enticing Edwards back to FSG. The inability to progress with this project made his position somewhat redundant, as his remit extended beyond just Liverpool. While FSG did not want to lose him, they ultimately accepted his decision. The situation is not ideal for FSG, who had placed their trust in the Edwards/Hughes partnership to manage Liverpool’s operations in 2024, not expecting it to conclude so soon. Edwards’ departure comes ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Read Also
Source: theguardian.com
