There’s turmoil behind the scenes at Liverpool FC. Michael Edwards, the club owners’ soccer CEO, is stepping down for the second time—and the sporting director may also be on his way out.
Unlike last summer, Liverpool FC has been holding back on the transfer market so far this year. But behind the scenes, things are apparently turbulent. About six weeks before the start of the new Premier League season, the Reds are losing a key employee: Michael Edwards, the soccer CEO of Fenway Sports Group (FSG), which owns and runs the club, is leaving a year before his contract expires—again.
The 47-year-old Englishman first joined the Reds in 2011 and was promoted to sporting director in 2016. In that role, he played a key part in shaping the era of success under Jürgen Klopp with numerous key transfers before leaving the club in the summer of 2022.
In March 2024, he returned in a new role: as the soccer managing director of FSG, which at the time hailed him as “one of the most outstanding leadership talents in world soccer.” His mission was to oversee the transition following Klopp’s departure and, at the same time, support FSG in adding more soccer clubs to its portfolio. In contrast to his first assignment—Liverpool promptly won the league title under Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot—this FSG initiative has so far failed.
“It was an honor to return to Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool FC at such a crucial moment,” Edwards said upon his latest departure. “I leave convinced that Liverpool is in a strong position—with outstanding staff, a clear direction, and the foundations for sustained success.”
He continued: “When I returned, I was not only excited by the opportunity to guide Liverpool through an important transition phase, but also by the chance to help shape FSG’s overarching soccer goals. Even though this broader project ultimately unfolded differently than we had originally envisioned, I am proud of the work our team has accomplished.”
Club owners “disappointed”—and soon to be searching for a sporting director?
FSG President Mike Gordon praised Edwards’ “extraordinary contribution” and emphasized: “While we are, of course, disappointed that he is leaving us, we will always be grateful to him for everything he has accomplished.” Gordon himself could now—as was the case before Edwards’ return—move closer to the Reds again, who may soon have an even more urgent vacancy to fill.
According to consistent media reports, Richards Hughes is also set to leave. The sporting director, who most recently led the team’s transfer activities and oversaw the signing of Slots’ successor, Andoni Iraola, is being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia’s top club, Al-Hilal.
