Michael Edwards steps down as football chief executive LiverpoolOwners Fenway Sports Group.
FSG said Edwards’ departure was part of a “planned transition following the completion of key strategic priorities” and group president Mike Gordon said the owners were “naturally disappointed” by his departure.
He is coming off a two-year, three-year contract, having begun a second period of close association with Liverpool in March 2024, when he was hired by FSG to oversee the transition from the Jurgen Klopp era.
In a statement, Edwards said: “Liverpool are in a strong position, with outstanding people, a clear direction and the foundations for continued success.
“When I returned, I was excited not only by the opportunity to help Liverpool through an important period of transition, but also by the opportunity to help shape FSG’s wider football ambitions.
“Although this broader project ultimately unfolded differently than we originally envisioned, I am proud of the work our team did to provide owners with a wide range of thoughtful and well-designed options for the future.”
Replacing Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah will be a key challenge for Liverpool in the new season after the team’s long-time talisman left at the end of the last campaign.
Speculation is growing that the club’s sporting director Richard Hughes could also leave.
Edwards originally joined Liverpool in 2011 and was appointed sporting director in 2016 before leaving in the summer of 2022.
During this period, he developed a reputation for success in the transfer market.
Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk were among the players recruited and they helped the Reds end a 30-year wait for a top-flight title in 2020.
Klopp’s replacement Arne Slot won the Premier League title at his first attempt in 2024/25, but a disappointing subsequent campaign saw him replaced by Andoni Iraola.