Michael Edwards is coming back to Liverpool as the football CEO to take charge of the team after Jurgen Klopp’s time at the Premier League club.

Former sporting director Michael Edwards is making a triumphant return to Liverpool, as he takes on the responsibility of leading the club into the post-Jurgen Klopp era.

Edwards bid farewell to Liverpool in 2022 after an impressive 11-year tenure. He has since been working as a consultant for sports management business Ludonautics, but he is now leaving that role to assume the position of CEO of football at Liverpool.

In his new role, Edwards will report directly to Liverpool’s ownership group at Fenway Sports Group, which is led by owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner, and president Mike Gordon. Edwards expressed his gratitude towards the ownership group, stating, “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. 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 emphasized the importance of approaching his return with renewed vigor and energy, stating, “It was vital for me that, if I did return, it had to be with renewed vigour and energy. In practice, this means having fresh challenges and opportunities.” He also highlighted the commitment of the ownership group to acquire and oversee an additional club, indicating that investment and expansion of the current football portfolio are necessary to remain competitive.

One of Edwards’ initial tasks will be to appoint a new sporting director at Liverpool. The club has been without a sporting director since Jorg Schmadtke’s departure at the end of the January transfer window. Additionally, Liverpool will need to find a successor for Klopp, and former Liverpool midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is rumored to be one of the leading contenders for the position. However, recent face-to-face talks have paved the way for a potential deal to be secured.

Edwards originally joined Liverpool in 2011 and was appointed as sporting director in 2016. During his time at the club, he played a pivotal role in securing key signings such as goalkeeper Alisson, defender Virgil van Dijk, and forwards Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. With his return, Liverpool fans can expect Edwards to continue his impressive work in shaping the club’s future success.