Michael Edwards leaves his role as Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football having grown frustrated over the failure to deliver on key parts of his job description.
When Edwards made his lauded return to Liverpool in 2024, he did so with designs to build a multi-club model under the FSG umbrella.
But with the American owners shelving their plans to acquire further clubs, as reported in March of this year, his remit change significantly.
According to widespread reports on Friday, Edwards resigned having grown frustrated in his role, with The Athletic‘s James Pearce writing that it had become “a case of when rather than if.”
“He believed embarking on a multi-club project was pivotal in terms of ensuring that Liverpool were competing on a level field with their rivals,” Pearce adds.
The Times‘ Paul Joyce explains that “without the new challenge that drew him back to the fold originally, Edwards was not motivated by simply holding a position and drawing a salary.”
Edwards and FSG technical director Julian Ward – formerly his assistant sporting director at Liverpool – explored 25 different clubs, predominantly in France, Spain and Portugal.
That led to advancements in bids to take over Monaco, Getafe, Bordeaux and Malaga, but FSG eventually pulled the plug on proceedings.
“Price was one factor but another was UEFA’s tightening of regulations with two clubs under the same ownership structure unable to compete in the same European competition,” Pearce explains.
What next for Liverpool and FSG?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 25, 2025: Liverpool's co-owner and NESV Chairman Tom Werner, Director Michael Gordon, owner John W. Henry and his wife Linda Pizzuti with the trophy, as the team celebrate becoming Champions for the 20th time, after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
FSG have not entirely ruled out purchasing another club but there are no immediate plans to do so, and their focus in terms of football is now solely on Liverpool.
That comes with FSG president Mike Gordon taking over Edwards’ role in leading football operations, which will see him first working above sporting director Richard Hughes.
But Hughes will also depart in the near future amid discussions over a job at Al-Hilal, which means Liverpool will soon need to appoint a new lead on recruitment.
There is the possibility of promoting from within, not least with David Woodfine currently employed as assistant sporting director.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 4, 2025: Liverpool's Director of Football Michael Edwards during the FA Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Regardless it is far from an ideal situation for FSG and Liverpool, who have seen drastic change over the past two years, beginning with Edwards’ resignation from his previous job as sporting director in 2022.
Ward initially took up his position but swiftly departed himself, with Jorg Schmadtke briefly filling the void in Jurgen Klopp‘s final windows at the club.
Klopp’s exit prompted a reshuffle including Edwards’ appointment as CEO of football, and in turn the hiring of his associate Hughes, but just over two years on another change of hierarchy is in the works.