Michael Edwards has resigned from his position as Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of Football, leaving the position a year early to prompt further change at Liverpool.
Edwards has quit his job within FSG two years after returning to the fold at Liverpool, with president Mike Gordon taking day-to-day duties upon his exit.
Liverpool are also expected to require a new sporting director in the near future, with Richard Hughes in discussions over a move to Al-Hilal.
In a statement on Friday afternoon, Edwards said: “It has been a privilege to return to Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool Football Club at such an important moment.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 27, 2025: Fenway Sports Group Director of Football Michael Edwards during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 5-1 and became League Champions. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I leave believing Liverpool is in a strong position, with outstanding people, a clear direction and the foundations in place for continued success.
“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 wider football ambitions.
“While that broader project ultimately evolved differently to 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.
“I’d like to thank Mike, John, Tom and everyone across FSG and Liverpool for their support and friendship and, most importantly, the supporters, whose passion makes this club so special.
“I will always be grateful to have been part of its story.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 4, 2025: Liverpool's Director of Football Michael Edwards before the FA Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Edwards is understood to have grown frustrated with FSG’s failure to acquire another club to add to their stable, as that had been a key motivation for his return as CEO of football.
Spanish clubs Malaga and Getafe and French sides Bordeaux and Toulouse were among those studied ahead of a potential takeover, but all plans were subsequently shelved.
Gordon, who had stepped back from his duties in running Liverpool itself in 2022, thanked Edwards for his involvement in a “significant period of transition.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Jurgen Klopp Signs A Contract Extension and chats with Sporting Director Michael Edwards and Mike Gordon FSG President and Liverpool F.C owner at Melwood Training Ground on December 13, 2019 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
He said: “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.
“While we are naturally disappointed to see him leave, we will always be grateful for everything he has given.
“On behalf of John Henry, Tom Werner and everyone at Fenway Sports Group, I would like to thank Michael for his outstanding service, friendship and leadership, and wish him and his family every success and happiness in the future.”