Michael Edwards has stepped down as Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of Football after serving his notice period, despite having one year remaining on the contract he signed when he returned in 2024.
The former Liverpool sporting director informed FSG of his decision last autumn, and the ownership group is not expected to appoint a replacement.
Instead, FSG president Mike Gordon is set to resume oversight of the company’s football operations.
Edwards returned to oversee Liverpool’s transition following Jürgen Klopp’s departure, with the newly created CEO of Football role built around FSG’s ambition to establish a multi-club model.
However, despite assessing around 25 clubs across Europe, particularly in Spain, Portugal and France, no acquisition was approved by the FSG board.
Reports in March indicated that FSG had effectively shelved its plans to purchase a second club, leaving Edwards frustrated.
Potential deals involving Bordeaux, Malaga and Getafe were explored but ultimately abandoned due to valuation concerns and UEFA’s stricter multi-club ownership regulations.
“It has been a privilege to return to Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool Football Club at such an important moment,” Edwards said.
“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.
“I’d like to thank Mike, John, Tom and everyone across FSG and Liverpool for their support and friendship and, most importantly, the supporters, whose passion makes this club so special. I will always be grateful to have been part of its story.”
Edwards first joined Liverpool in 2011 as head of performance analysis before rising through the ranks to become sporting director in 2016.
Working alongside Klopp, he played a key role in assembling the squad that won the Champions League in 2019 and ended the club’s 30-year wait for the Premier League title the following season.
He left Liverpool in 2022 before returning two years later, appointing Richard Hughes as sporting director and bringing Julian Ward back as FSG’s technical director.
Michael Hughes is also expected to leave later this year, with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal reportedly interested in appointing him after the summer transfer window.
With FSG abandoning its multi-club project – the primary reason Edwards accepted the role – his departure had become increasingly inevitable.
Although the ownership group wanted him to stay, they accepted his decision, bringing an early end to the Edwards-Hughes leadership team that was expected to guide Liverpool into a new era under head coach Andoni Iraola.
FSG President Mike Gordon added, “Michael has made an extraordinary contribution to Liverpool Football Club and Fenway Sports Group throughout his time with our organization.
“When Michael returned in 2024, he did so at a pivotal moment for Liverpool, embracing a broader leadership role across our football interests in the process.
“Throughout both periods he has consistently demonstrated exceptional judgement, integrity and an unwavering commitment to building a strong football organization for the long term.
“His return to the organization 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.
“On behalf of John Henry, Tom Werner and everyone at Fenway Sports Group, I would like to thank Michael for his outstanding service, friendship and leadership, and wish him and his family every success and happiness in the future.”
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