Michael Edwards has departed his role as Fenway Sports Group CEO of Football after two years
Michael Edwards has quit his role as Fenway Sports Group CEO of Football
Michael Edwards has quit his role as Fenway Sports Group CEO of Football(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
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Michael Edwards has quit his role as CEO of Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group to prompt further uncertainty behind the scenes at Anfield.
Edwards returned to the FSG fold two years ago when he was appointed to his new position having previously held several roles at Liverpool, culminating in the sporting director stint that ended in 2022.
He was lured back with the remit of heading a multi-club operation, an avenue the American owners were ultimately unable to pursue despite talks with several other European clubs.
It is understood Mike Gordon, the president of FSG, will now once again assume greater day-to-day control of Liverpool, reprising a role he held for many years.
A statement from 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.”
FSG Mike Gordon said: “Michael has made an extraordinary contribution to Liverpool Football Club and Fenway Sports Group throughout his time with our organization.
"When Michael returned in 2024, he did so at a pivotal moment for Liverpool, embracing a broader leadership role across our football interests in the process. Throughout both periods he has consistently demonstrated exceptional judgement, integrity and an unwavering commitment to building a strong football organisation for the long term.
“His return to the organization saw Liverpool successfully navigate a significant period of transition before securing the club’s historic 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.”
FSG were unable to persuade Edwards to stay having initially been informed of his intention to leave last autumn.
The departure of Edwards, who has left two years into a three-year contract, comes at a time when the future of Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is the subject of increasing speculation.
Hughes is under contract until next summer and was integral in the appointment of Andoni Iraola as head coach last month to replace the sacked Arne Slot.
But rumours have persisted the sporting director could vacate his role after the summer transfer window having been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, who recently appointed his former Bournemouth colleague Simon Francis as their technical director.
Edwards first joined Liverpool in 2011 before making his way up to sporting director in 2016. During his time in the role, the Reds gained an impressive reputation in the transfer market that helped them claim a host of honours under Jurgen Klopp.
Edwards, though, has not been involved in Liverpool's transfer activity since assuming the job at FSG, with Hughes having overlooked business in the market along with contract talks.
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