Michael Edwards has left his role with FSG, just two years on from returning to work with Liverpool's owners after rumors of a rift with former manager Jurgen Klopp during his first spell at Anfield
10:42, 11 Jul 2026
Jurgen Klopp worked alongside Michael Edwards during his time at Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp worked alongside Michael Edwards during his time at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp denied suggestions of a rift between himself and Michael Edwards shortly before his departure as Liverpool manager, with the latter having now followed him out of the exit door.
Edwards has left his role as FSG’s CEO of Football, as revealed on Friday. The former sporting director exits with a year still remaining on his contract, having made his return to Liverpool’s owners back in 2024.
He had informed FSG’s hierarchy of his decision last autumn, with the group’s president Mike Gordon expected to take back responsibility for soccer operations, with no direct replacement being lined up for Edwards.
It marks a short tenure for Edwards, having been lured back to work for FSG just two years ago. He was appointed to lead the group’s move to into a multi-club model, something which has not materialized and is said to have left Edwards frustrated.
He was appointed after previously working for Liverpool as the club’s sporting director, having played an instrumental role during Klopp’s successful spell as manager.
There were rumors of a rift between the two though before Edwards left the club in 2022, with Klopp’s influence on transfers and the running of the club having grown. The German denied that speculation back in 2024 though, just before he stepped down as manager, and after Edwards’ return to FSG had been confirmed.
Michael Edwards has left his role with FSG
Michael Edwards has left his role with FSG(Image: Getty Images)
"It's great but did anyone make a story that they have all come back because I am leaving?” Klopp said. “It was really not because of me. It's nothing.
"You can ask Michael Edwards if he will speak in public, but our work together was really, really good. We worked well together and Richard Hughes, who I know, is a great, great guy. I liked the signings a lot.
"Who the club is bringing in, I like them all. We have a good team, a really good manager is coming in and we have all these guys too. The club is in good hands."
Liverpool’s current sporting director Hughes is also expected to leave soon, with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in the works. Unlike Edwards, the Scot is set to remain in place at Anfield until the end of the current transfer window as he helps build Andoni Iraola’s squad for the 2026/27 season.
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In a statement on his departure, 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.”