Edwards’ move linked to multi-club plan being shelved
Sporting director Hughes may also leave in September
Michael Edwards has quit as chief executive of football for Liverpool’s owner, Fenway Sports Group. The hugely influential Edwards informed FSG in autumn 2025 of his intention to step down once he felt plans for Liverpool’s future were in place. FSG confirmed his exit on Friday, having wanted him to stay.
Edwards’ decision is linked to FSG abandoning plans to add a second club to its football portfolio. He was enticed back to Liverpool in March 2024 to oversee the transition from the Jürgen Klopp era, having been given a much broader remit than he had as the club’s first sporting director, a position in which he flourished from 2016 to 2022.
A key part of that remit was to expand FSG’s football operations – hence his title as FSG’s chief executive of football rather than Liverpool’s – with multi-club ownership and strategic partnerships part of the attraction for Edwards.
However, despite looking at clubs including Getafe and Bordeaux, FSG did not find a suitable acquisition and shelved the plans last year. The purchase of a second club could be revisited. FSG’s decision put Edwards’ position in doubt and he has departed with a year on his contract. Edwards is unlikely to receive a payoff because it was his decision to leave, and FSG may not replace him directly, given the role was created for him.
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.”
Edwards’ exit is not expected to affect Liverpool’s summer transfer operations. Their transfer business is conducted by Richard Hughes, the sporting director, and plans for this window are well established.
But the departure of Edwards does add to the uncertainty surrounding the Liverpool hierarchy. Hughes, whose contract is due to expire in 2027, has been strongly linked with a lucrative move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
Hughes, who sacked Arne Slot and appointed Andoni Iraola as his replacement, a decision taken in tandem with Edwards, could depart once the summer transfer window closes.
FSG’s president, Mike Gordon, is expected to resume a more hands-on role in the absence of Edwards, who first joined Liverpool in 2011 and created a new football leadership structure during his second spell.
Gordon said: “Throughout both periods he has consistently demonstrated exceptional judgment, integrity and an unwavering commitment to building a strong football organisation for the long term. His return to the organisation saw Liverpool successfully navigate a significant period of transition before securing the club’s historic 20th 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.”
