Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano details how Liverpool beat Chelsea and Manchester United to bring Michael Edwards back to the club
Football journalist Fabrizio Romano highlighted the key factors that helped Liverpool appoint Michael Edwards and reject Manchester United and Chelsea. Edwards will oversee all the football operations for FSG, starting with appointing several personnel for Liverpool under the new project.
The football operations include the potential acquisition of another club, and the creation of a multi-club model to expand the portfolio. The 44-year-old will appoint Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes as the new sporting director for the Reds after this season.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp announced that he is stepping back from the managerial role at the end of the season. The German is also leaving alongside numerous staff members who are loyal to him and willing to move on.
Edwards will oversee the appointment of Klopp’s successor to usher in a new era at the club. The 44-year-old already has a strong bond with the fanbase and respect due to his past accomplishments at the club.
He played a key role as a sporting director of Liverpool before departing in 2021 and ending his decade-long service. Under Edwards’ guidance, the Reds signed Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah among several other talents.
Edwards earned the reputation of doing shrewd business and making accurate moves that benefitted the financially restricted club. Liverpool have worked under the compliance of Financial Fair Play rules while competing with high-spending rival clubs.
Romano said in his Daily Briefing column (h/t Caughtoffside) that Edwards rejected United, Chelsea and several other top clubs. He said:
“Edwards initially rejected Liverpool’s advances, but another round of talks sealed the deal. He was also on the shortlist of multiple other clubs in the recent years, including Manchester United and Chelsea, but also clubs from abroad. He was never attracted by any possibility until Liverpool returned, it made the difference.”
Official: Michael Edwards has been appointed as new CEO of Football for FSG, starting with Liverpool on June 1.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 12, 2024
Edwards: “One of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club”. pic.twitter.com/ZnLxMrxXXI
Unbeaten side Bayer Leverkusen’s manager Xabi Alonso is currently the firm favourite to succeed Klopp at Liverpool. Xabi already has a strong connection with the club and the fanbase, giving him an edge over other candidates.
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The swift move to secure Edwards and the appointment of Hughes gives Liverpool a big advantage to start the new project. Klopp is leaving behind a culture that balances the development of youngsters with the pursuit of trophies without discrimination. He is leaving a formidable squad for Edwards and his successor to usher in the new reign with success.
