More details are emerging on Michael Edwards departure from Liverpool FC and Fenway Sports Group (FSG) plans for adding a second club to their portfolio.
It is worth remembering that multi-club ownership was, in many ways, the very reason Michael Edwards came back to FSG in the first place.
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The former Liverpool sporting director was appointed CEO of Football in March 2024, with his primary mandate being to spearhead the acquisition of a second club and build out a broader football portfolio.
In pursuit of that vision, FSG cast the net wide. Over the course of his tenure, Edwards oversaw the evaluation of approximately 25 clubs, with names such as Malaga, Bordeaux, Getafe, Levante, Toulouse, and even Cruzeiro in Brazil all reportedly under consideration at various stages.
But it never happened. FSG shelved the entire multi-club project late last year.
With the core reason for Edwards’ return now off the table, his future at the club was effectively decided for him.
Edwards communicated his intention to leave FSG leadership last autumn, and last week the departure was made official.
FSG described his exit as the “culmination of a planned transition following the completion of key strategic priorities” – though reports indicate Edwards had grown frustrated with the stalling of the multi-club project and had no desire to revert to a pure sporting director role.
He departs with a year still remaining on his contract.
According to the Athletic, there were three main reasons why FSG decided to put plans for another club on hold that ultimately led to his exit:
“A senior source from FSG, who is not permitted to talk about decisions publicly, told The Athletic that price was not the only factor in putting the group off buying a second club.”
“Following Edwards’ appointment, a tightening of UEFA regulations made deals more complicated, while there were also concerns over the ability to grow new clubs’ revenue streams.”
FSG are unlikely to appoint a direct replacement. Instead, president Mike Gordon is expected to resume control of football operation