​Liverpool are set to experience even more departures after Michael Edwards stepped away from his role with Fenway Sports Group (FSG). Edwards has resigned as FSG’s CEO of football, having taken on the position in early 2024 to oversee the club’s multi-club project. Despite the ambition, Liverpool have never successfully established a second club to form a true multi-club network, and it now appears that aim will not materialize as Edwards leaves.
What this means in the immediate term remains unclear. It isn’t even certain whether FSG will replace Edwards, as the role may not be strictly necessary at this stage. Adding to the potential upheaval, this looks unlikely to be the final wave of exits. Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s current sporting director, is also reported to be preparing to depart next year, with multiple outlets, including the BBC, flagging the development. Al-Hilal have indicated their intention to hire Hughes, who was recruited by Edwards in 2024. The two men have known each other for more than two decades, a connection that many within the Liverpool and FSG camp share.
Given the broader context, questions are mounting about the club’s future leadership. Will other similar high-level hires follow Edwards out of the door? Liverpool will need to appoint or promote someone to steer the club in the near term, and such decisions will have a direct impact on Andoni Iraola’s future at the club. At present, there is considerable uncertainty about who will be in charge going forward, and FSG faces the task of resolving leadership roles swiftly. With Hughes likely to depart soon, time is of the essence for Liverpool to address the vacancy and chart a clear path.
The current situation marks a significant blow to Liverpool, echoing earlier instability when Jurgen Klopp announced his departure in 2024 and FSG reacted by moving to appoint Edwards and his team ahead of schedule. This time, however, the club has not moved with the same pace or clarity, leaving supporters and stakeholders to contend with a level of ambiguity that could shape the club’s trajectory for months to come. As FSG weighs its options, the key questions revolve around who will run the club, whether any replacement for Edwards will be brought in, and how urgently the leadership gap will be filled. The answers will determine whether Liverpool can regain momentum quickly or face a drawn-out period of transition.