​Michael Edwards is departing Liverpool for a second time after resigning from his role as Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football. The transfer specialist, who told Liverpool’s owners last autumn that he planned to move on, has completed his notice period and will leave with a year remaining on his contract.
Edwards, who previously served as Liverpool’s director of football, returned to Anfield in a broader capacity in 2024, following Jurgen Klopp’s exit from the club and amid FSG’s consideration of acquiring another club. However, FSG ultimately did not pursue a multi-club model, despite exploring deals for around 25 clubs, including Malaga and Bordeaux, and choosing not to buy any of them.
Edwards felt the role was not progressing in the way he and FSG had anticipated and, since he had no desire to revert to a traditional sporting director position, decided to move on. FSG had hoped to retain Edwards, but with his exit, their president, Mike Gordon, is expected to assume a greater hand in Liverpool’s day-to-day operations.
Edwards’ departure comes at a time when sporting director Richard Hughes, whom he appointed, is also anticipated to leave Anfield for Al-Hilal. During Edwards’ and Hughes’ tenure, Liverpool appointed Arne Slot as manager and won the Premier League, though Slot was dismissed after a disappointing 2025-26 season. He was replaced by Andoni Iraola, formerly of Bournemouth, Klopp’s previous club.
During this period, Liverpool broke the British transfer record to sign Alexander Isak for £125 million and have invested close to £550 million in the squad. Other high-profile signings included Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Giovanni Leoni, and this summer’s additions, Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz. Edwards’ exit marks another shift in Liverpool’s recruitment strategy as the club continues to navigate a competitive transfer market and a changing leadership structure at the top.