Michael Edwards has completed his sensational return to Liverpool by taking up a brand new senior role.
The 44-year-old will become Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football, a broad role that encompasses but is not limited to Liverpool.
Edwards is expected to hire Richard Hughes as the club’s next sporting director when he leaves Bournemouth at the end of the season.
“Michael is one of the most formidable executive talents in world football and John (Henry), Tom (Werner), and I are absolutely thrilled to have secured his services for our business,” FSG president Mike Gordon said upon the announcement.
“He returns to us in a role with greater seniority than he held previously and with a wider remit. It was clear when we initially reached out to him that a broader scope would be a key motivating factor for any potential return to the industry. In this regard – and many others – his ambitions matched ours. ”
Why Michael Edwards agreed Liverpool return
Edwards, who previously spent six years as sporting director at Anfield, had no intention of taking up such a role in football ever again, turning down Liverpool‘s initial approach in January.
FSG offered Edwards a more wide ranging position that will give him control over football operations at the club, with reports suggesting he may even receive equity.
Edwards says he was swayed “by the desire and persistence they showed in wanting to work with me again” – and the possibility of running another club in addition to Liverpool, suggesting FSG are turning to a multi-club model that has become more prevalent in recent years.
“It was vital for me that, if I did return, it had to be with renewed vigour and energy,” he said. “In practice, this means having fresh challenges and opportunities. As such, one of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club, growing this area of their organization. I believe that to remain competitive, investment and expansion of the current football portfolio is necessary.”
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