Michael Edwards appointed to senior role with Liverpool owner Fenway Sports

Michael Edwards has been appointed to a senior role with Fenway Sports Group, which includes the former Liverpool executive taking oversight of the club’s football operations.

The Athletic reported Edwards was close to agreeing a senior role with Liverpool’s owners, and this was expected to see former Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes fill the vacant sporting director position after his exit from the south-coast club was confirmed earlier this month.

Edwards’ appointment has now been confirmed with him taking up the position of CEO of football for the Boston-based investment group.

“Michael is one of the most formidable executive talents in world football and John (Henry), Tom (Werner), and I are absolutely thrilled to have secured his services for our business,” FSG president Mike Gordon said upon the announcement.

“As an organisation we constantly strive for improvement in our football operation, whether that be identifying fresh opportunities externally or areas for enhancement internally, and there is no better person to lead that ongoing process.”

Liverpool are in the midst of a huge transition following manager Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step aside this summer. Klopp’s closest staff, including assistant manager Pep Lijnders, are also scheduled to leave and interim sporting director Jorg Schmadtke departed following the January transfer window.

FSG targeted Edwards to lead the restructure — floating the idea of him occupying a top job at Liverpool or inside the ownership group — but he initially turned down the opportunity.

However, they continued its pursuit and Edwards now joins in a far broader capacity that encompasses Liverpool, rather than specifically returning to Anfield.

Edwards (right) will help lead the post-Jurgen Klopp era (John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“I am very grateful to Mike, John, Tom and the ownership group for offering me the opportunity to take on this new leadership role within FSG,” Edwards said.

“I was humbled by the desire and persistence they showed in wanting to work with me again. This is definitely not something that I take for granted given their track record across sport and business.”

Edwards declined a number of offers to return to football following his exit from Liverpool in 2022 but following detailed discussions in Boston in early March now succeeds Gordon as the day to day decision maker on all football matters.

Gordon intends to reduce his involvement in football but will remain on the FSG board, of which Edwards will now report into.

Edwards’ new role will also involve helping to identify and subsequently manage a second club for FSG to attract global talent for Liverpool.

“It was vital for me that, if I did return, it had to be with renewed vigour and energy,” Edwards said. “In practice, this means having fresh challenges and opportunities.

“As such, one of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire…