​Michael Edwards has stepped down from his role as chief executive of football at Liverpool, the club’s owners Fenway Sports Group announced on Friday. Edwards, who previously served as Liverpool’s sporting director, was appointed to his current position in March 2024, shortly before manager Jurgen Klopp departed, with the aim of leading FSG’s multi-club operation. However, those multi-club plans were put on hold by the American owners late last year.
In a statement issued by FSG, Edwards said he was leaving Liverpool in a “strong position.” “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 broader football ambitions,” he said. “While that broader project ultimately evolved differently from 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.”
FSG described Edwards’ departure as the “culmination of a planned transition following the completion of key strategic priorities.” Mike Gordon, FSG’s president, lauded Edwards’ “extraordinary contribution” to both Liverpool and the group. “His return to the organisation saw Liverpool successfully navigate a significant period of transition before securing the club’s historic 20th English league title, an achievement to which Michael made an important contribution,” Gordon said.
During his earlier tenure at Liverpool, Edwards made a mark in the transfer market, helping to bring in a number of high-profile players, including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Under Klopp, Liverpool ended a 30-year wait for the league title in 2020 and later won the Premier League again in the 2024/25 season under Dutch coach Arne Slot. Yet the club appeared to lose its direction after heavy spending post-title, finishing fifth last season. That downturn led to Slot’s dismissal and his replacement by Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola.
There has also been speculation surrounding the future of Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, with rumors linking him to a move to Saudi Arabia.