Edwards set to return as Liverpool’s head of football operations

Michael Edwards is set for a sensational return to Liverpool Football Club, to lead the club’s footballing operations. Edwards, who previously served as the club’s sporting director from 2016 to 2022, has reportedly agreed terms with the Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool’s owners.

According to reports, Liverpool have been on the hunt for a new sporting director following the departure of Jorg Schmadtke, at the end of the January transfer window. The club quickly reached out to Edwards, who had spent a successful decade at Liverpool, initially working behind the scenes before taking on the sporting director role. While Edwards initially rebuffed the idea of returning in a consultancy capacity, he was open to a more significant role at the club.

The Times reported on Tuesday, that Edwards has now agreed to “Head Football Operations” for FSG at Liverpool, though his exact job title remains undefined. This new role is expected to be grander in scope than his previous position as sporting director. One of Edwards’ first tasks will be to finalise the appointment of Richard Hughes, who recently confirmed his departure from Bournemouth, as Liverpool’s new sporting director – a move considered a formality.

Together, Edwards and Hughes will be tasked with appointing a new manager to succeed the outgoing Jurgen Klopp, who will step down at the end of the season. Former Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso, is reportedly the frontrunner for the job, with the Reds unconcerned by potential interest from Bayern Munich in the Bayer Leverkusen boss.

On the pitch, Liverpool are well-placed to secure an unprecedented quadruple in Klopp’s final season. They have already won the Carabao Cup and remain in strong contention for the English Premier League, UEFA Europa League, and FA Cup.