Michael Edwards has assumed a new role at Liverpool, drawing attention from a former player who urges him to present an enticing offer to Jürgen Klopp to retain his services.
Aged 44, Edwards is widely admired by supporters for his pivotal role in securing signings such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson Becker during his tenure as sporting director. Though departing his position in 2022, his value to FSG is so esteemed that they’ve appointed him as CEO of football upon his return.
In his new capacity, Edwards will oversee transfer activities, alongside controversial plans to expand the FSG portfolio by acquiring another football club, as outlined in his return statement. Additionally, he will assume responsibilities at Liverpool, effectively succeeding Mike Gordon.
It’s anticipated that he will spearhead the quest for a new sporting director, potentially resulting in the appointment of Richard Hughes following his departure from AFC Bournemouth. Initially hesitant to rejoin Liverpool, Edwards acquiesced after direct discussions with FSG in Boston this month, agreeing to assume a senior role within the organization.
Former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchinson suggests that Edwards’ foremost priority should involve engaging Klopp in dialogue to explore any avenues that might persuade him to prolong his tenure. While Klopp has expressed his intent to depart and take a hiatus, Hutchinson contends that one final endeavor should be pursued, potentially by offering assurances regarding transfers.
The 52-year-old conveyed his viewpoint on the social media platform X, saying: “[Michael] Edwards’ 1st job should be to sit down with [Jürgen] Klopp. Ask him what will it take to make him stay. Promise him 2/3 big names.
“Imagine the impact on the Liverpool fans if he changed his mind. It would be monumental and a huge [tick] for FSG and Edwards. Pep/Arteta etc gutted.”
Klopp has previously indicated that he intends to depart this summer, citing exhaustion after nearly nine years at the helm. “It’s not that I want to leave, it’s more or less I have to,” he said back in February.
“If I cannot do it like that, if I cannot be the guy there who pushes the team to the Champions League and stuff like this, why should I do the job? I don’t want to be a passenger. The job is too important, the club is too important, and that’s why I decided.”