Journo hints at Michael Edwards smokescreen as Liverpool continue their search for new Sporting Director

Simon Hughes hints that speculation around ex-Sporting Director Michael Edwards could be a smokescreen for another Liverpool target

The Athletic journalist Simon Hughes argued that Liverpool could hire another Sporting Director while feeding a smokescreen related to Michael Edwards. Edwards enjoyed a very successful tenure at the club, making numerous signings that helped the Reds achieve multiple trophies.

The ex-Liverpool sporting director joined the club in 2011 as a scout but earned internal promotions to reach the top. He stepped down from the sporting director post and left the Reds in November 2021 after becoming a cult hero.

Edwards earned praise from the media and the Liverpool fanbase for his shrewd negotiation and an eye for spotting talent. Under his guidance, the Reds signed players like Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino.

Hughes wrote on the Athletic that the speculation surrounding Edwards could be a smokescreen while FSG hires someone else. He wrote:

“There is another possibility — that this is all a smokescreen and that FSG is sewing up a deal for another sporting director while allowing speculation over Edwards to run riot. That cannot be entirely ruled out given that, in football, not everything is always as it seems.”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp announced that he is stepping back from the managerial role after the season ends. Klopp cited burnout as the reason for his decision to depart despite having complete job security and adoration.

Furthermore, Jorg Schmadtke departed from the role of the sporting director at the end of the January transfer window. Liverpool backroom staff will see numerous changes before the next season begins and it starts with the sporting director role.

Bayern Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is currently the firm favourite to succeed Klopp in the managerial post. Apart from his impressive tenure at Leverkusen, Alonso has a formidable bond with the Liverpool fanbase.

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Nevertheless, Liverpool aims to appoint a worthy sporting director before deciding on any successor to Klopp during the summer. Edwards has a great history with Liverpool but his potential return is up for speculation for now.