Michael Edwards has resigned as chief executive officer of football for Fenway Sports Group, with the Liverpool transfer chief reportedly frustrated at the lack of progress in acquiring a second European team
Samuel Meade
15:39, 10 Jul 2026Updated 15:46, 10 Jul 2026
Michael Edwards
Michael Edwards has quit Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Michael Edwards has stepped down from his position as chief executive officer of football at Fenway Sports Group — leaving Liverpool facing an uncertain future.
His frustration grew over FSG's lack of progress in acquiring a second European club, which prompted Edwards to first signal his desire to leave last autumn. He has now formally tendered his resignation, departing two years into a three-year contract with the organisation.
FSG president Mike Gordon will take on greater day-to-day responsibility at Liverpool following the club's failure to convince Edwards to remain. Edwards was an instrumental figure in assembling the squad that helped Jurgen Klopp deliver Liverpool's first Premier League title in 2020.
The club had also claimed the Champions League 12 months earlier, and his initial exit was widely regarded as a significant setback.
FSG managed to entice him back in a more senior capacity, but Edwards has chosen to move on following insufficient progress towards the organisation's broader ambitions, reports the Mirror.
In a statement, Edwards said: "It has been a privilege to return to Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool Football Club at such an important moment. 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 (Henry), Tom (Werner) 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.
Richard Hughes is also set to leave
Richard Hughes is also set to leave(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Upon Edwards' return, his responsibilities stretched beyond Liverpool towards expanding FSG's footballing portfolio. The group closely examined 25 different clubs, with Edwards a keen advocate of adopting a multi-club model — a structure currently employed by Manchester City.
Getafe, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Malaga were amongst the clubs FSG assessed, though they ultimately withdrew from securing any agreements. The prospect of acquiring a second club has not been entirely dismissed, but FSG has continued to channel significant funds into Liverpool, breaking the British transfer record on two occasions last summer.
Liverpool's only two Premier League titles — in 2020 and 2025 — have both come with Edwards playing an influential role of some capacity.
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Meanwhile, Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes is currently in talks over a potential move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal, casting a considerable shadow of uncertainty over the Anfield hierarchy. Hughes' contract runs until the summer of 2027, and he has only recently appointed Andoni Iraola as head coach following Arne Slot's departure at the end of May.