Edwards leaves Liverpool as FSG’s ‘planned transition’ comes to an end

He was promoted to Director of Technical Performance, then Technical Director, before being named Sporting Director in November 2016.

On his watch as Sporting Director, Liverpool hired Manager Jurgen Klopp, assembled the best data science department in English football, recruited astutely and invested in innovative specialist coaches.

The team won seven major titles under this structure, including the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and, in 2019/20, a first league title in 30 years.

When Klopp signed a contract renewal in December 2019, he paid tribute to his Sporting Director: “I must highlight the role of Michael Edwards in this journey so far. His input and collaboration has been just as important as anyone else’s in getting us into a position to compete for the game’s top titles.”

Edwards left in 2022, saying: “I had always planned to cap my time at the club to a max of 10 years. I’ve loved working here, but I am a big believer in change.”

He was replaced as Sporting Director by his then-number two, Julian Ward (now Technical Director for FSG), before going on to become a Non-Executive Director at Ludonautics, the data consultancy founded by Liverpool’s former Head of Research, Ian Graham.

Edwards returned in March 2024 in the newly-created role of CEO of Football, overseeing all football operations at Anfield as Klopp prepared to leave . Edwards is credited with signing key players who helped Liverpool win the 2019/20 Premier League title — their first league title in 30 years — and went on to oversee the arrival of Arne Slot as Klopp’s successor.

Slot led Liverpool to a 20th English league title in 2025, but was replaced by Andoni Iraola this summer after a below-par second season.

FSG’s statement read: “Edwards’ departure marks the culmination of a planned transition following the completion of key strategic priorities. Since returning to the organisation in March 2024, he has helped oversee Liverpool through a significant period of change, including the implementation of a new football leadership structure and the appointment of a new head coach.

“He also oversaw the continued evolution of the club’s football operation during a period in which Liverpool secured its historic 20th English league title in 2025, before preparations for the next phase of its development.”

His exit comes ahead of a summer transfer window in which replacing Mohamed Salah will be one of the biggest tasks facing the club. There is also speculation that sporting director Richard Hughes could leave, which would further reshape Liverpool’s football hierarchy.

Edwards said in a statement: “It has been a privilege to return to Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool Football Club at such an important moment. I leave believing Liverpool is in a strong position, with outstanding people, a clear direction and the foundations in place for continued success.

“When I returned, I was excited not only by the opportunity to help guide Liverpool through an important period of transition, but also by the chance to help shape FSG’s wider football ambitions. While that broader project ultimately evolved differently to how we had originally envisaged, I am proud of the work our team undertook in presenting ownership with a broad range of thoughtful and well-developed options for the future.

“I’d like to thank Mike [Gordon], John [W. Henry], Tom [C. Werner] and everyone across FSG and Liverpool for their support and friendship and, most importantly, the supporters, whose passion makes this club so special. I will always be grateful to have been part of its story.”

Richard Hughes remains as Liverpool’s Sporting Director, although he too is expected to leave too — reportedly for Al-Hilal as Sporting Director. The club’s Assistant Sporting Director is David Woodfine, with Ward as FSG’s Technical Director and Pedro Marques as FSG’s Director of Football Development