Image Credits: Imago Images
When Michael Edwards walked back through the Anfield corridors in March 2024, it wasn’t just about replacing the Jurgen Klopp.
The mastermind behind Liverpool’s most successful transfer era in recent history—the architect of signings like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson—had returned with a far grander vision: to construct Fenway Sports Group’s multi-club empire.
Edwards’ appointment as FSG’s CEO of Football came with explicit terms.
The 44-year-old made it crystal clear that “one of the biggest factors” in his decision to return was FSG’s “commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club”.
It wasn’t merely about Liverpool anymore.
Edwards believed that to “remain competitive,” FSG needed to expand their football portfolio and join the multi-club revolution sweeping European football.
The model Edwards championed mirrored the success stories dominating modern football: the City Football Group’s global network of clubs feeding talent to Manchester City, Red Bull’s data-driven satellite system, and Chelsea’s BlueCo partnership with Strasbourg.
Edwards and FSG have engaged in talks with both Malaga and Getafe in Spain.
However, Malaga proved too complicated with other bids from Paris Saint-Germain, backed by Qatari wealth, entering the race with more aggressive terms.
Meanwhile, La Liga’s notoriously strict spending regulations -which tie transfer fees and wages directly to club revenue – proved prohibitive in the Getafe attempt.
FSG concluded they “couldn’t spend how they wanted to” under Spanish football’s financial fair play framework.
Now Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has provided a brief update on Liverpool plans for a multi-club model.
Speaking to the Athletic, the Reds chief confirmed that acquiring another club is still in their plans and will “eventually happen”:
“I’d say Michael is probably the preeminent father of success (at Liverpool). Without his leadership, which was so important in identifying Richard and identifying so many of the players who have been so critical to the success we’ve enjoyed, we wouldn’t be where we are now.”
“Did he need much persuading [to return, having left in summer 2022]? Yes and no.”
“He’s a very talented man, and I’m sure he had a lot of competing offers. But Liverpool is Liverpool. Key for Michael was our commitment to purchasing a second club.”
“That’s very much still the plan, but it has to be the right opportunity. We’ve looked at a number of clubs and it just hasn’t been the right fit yet. I do believe eventually that will happen.”
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