Liverpool have made a significant behind-the-scenes appointment
Jurgen Klopp will leave Liverpool at the end of the season(Image credit: Getty Images)
Liverpool have brought former sporting director Michael Edwards back to the club in a senior role that will see him overlooking the club’s football operations.
With Jurgen Klopp departing Anfield at the end of the season, the club are set for a period of transition and Edwards had reportedly agreed to take a senior role, with the news now confirmed.
Edwards turned down an approach from Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s owner, in January over a return to the club as sporting director, but this new position is set to be a more senior role.
Michael Edwards (left), Jurgen Klopp and Mike Gordon (Image credit: Getty Images)
The 44-year-old’s first task is to appoint a new sporting director, with Bournemouth’s outgoing technical director Richard Hughes believed to be the front-runner. Following that, the task of replacing Klopp looms large, with former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso remaining favourite for the post as he looks to steer Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title this season.
Edwards spent ten successful years at Anfield before his exit in 2022, playing a key part in assembling the squad that would win the Premier League title in 2020, plus the Champions League 12 months earlier. He has worked as a consultant at sports advisory business Ludonautics since having rejected a number of approaches from other clubs.
Joerg Schmadtke assisted with Liverpool's recruitment last summer (Image credit: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Liverpool have been without a sporting director since Julian Ward departed last year. The club hired Jorg Schmadtke as a short-term replacement in order to assist in last year’s summer transfer window before leaving after this year’s January window.
The Reds are looking to end the Klopp era on a high this season, as they get set for a three-team title run-in with Arsenal and Manchester City. They have already won the Carabao Cup and remain in the hunt for both the FA Cup and Europa League.
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For more than a decade Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor, with stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others. He is the author of four football history books that include tomes on Leeds United and the England national team.
