​LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Ahead of the new Premier League campaign, Liverpool is set to undergo additional changes alongside the appointment of a new manager as Michael Edwards leaves his role as Football Chief for Fenway Sports Group (FSG). FSG announced on Friday that Edwards would depart during the club’s preseason preparations, marking the end of his second stint overseeing Liverpool as part of the sports leadership. As a result, he will not be present when Andoni Iraola, the incoming coach, begins guiding the team following the dismissal of Arne Slot. Slot, who took charge in 2024 shortly after Edwards’ initial arrival at FSG, secured the Premier League title in his first season before being fired.
“Edwards’ departure represents the completion of a planned transition after the completion of several key strategic priorities,” FSG stated. Edwards has been a central figure at Liverpool, serving as the club’s sporting director from 2016 to 2022. He returned to the fold in 2024 with a new title at FSG that signified the group’s ambitions to develop a multi-club ownership model. Yet, two years on, FSG has not advanced those plans, and earlier in the year there were widespread reports that the group was stepping back from pursuing a multi-club model.
“When I came back, I was energized by the chance not only to help Liverpool navigate an important period of transition but also to contribute to shaping FSG’s broader football ambitions,” Edwards said in a statement. “While that broader project ultimately evolved differently from our original plan, I’m proud of the work our team accomplished in presenting ownership with a wide range of well-considered, thoroughly developed options for the future.”
Last season, Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League, ending their title defense amid a challenging campaign and leaving the club 25 points behind champions Arsenal. As the club gears up for the upcoming season under new management, the organizational changes and Edwards’ departure mark a significant shift in Liverpool’s pursuit of future stability and strategic direction.