Liverpool, Edwards ‘agree’ deal to make FSG favourite a ‘crucial figure’ alongside Prem chief

According to reports, Liverpool and Michael Edwards have reached an “agreement” over his return to Anfield ahead of next season.

Edwards has been without a club since leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2021/22 campaign. He previously held various roles at Anfield but was lauded for his work as their sporting director between 2016 and 2022.

Liverpool revamp

The Premier League giants have been heavily linked with Edwards in recent weeks as they have stepped up their efforts to bring him back to Anfield.

Liverpool have been without a sporting director since Jorg Schmadtke left the club at the end of the January transfer window.

Edwards initially rejected a return to Liverpool (and has been linked with Man Utd) as he was unwilling to return as a director. Instead, it has been widely reported that FSG are expected to give him increased control in a more important role.

Liverpool are also searching for a new manager but it has been consistently reported that they will want their director situation sorted before they move for Jurgen Klopp’s successor.

And now, they have their man as transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on Tuesday morning that an “agreement” has been reached between Liverpool and Edwards. He has also indicated that the Englishman will be joined by current Bournemouth director Richard Hughes.

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Romano tweeted: “Michael Edwards has reached an agreement with FSG as he returns to Liverpool as a crucial figure to help with the new project.

“After the initial approach and new attempt revealed in the last two months, it’s now done.

“Richard Hughes will also join #LFC as part of new structure.”

Hughes recently confirmed that he will be leaving Bournemouth at the end of this season. Following his retirement from football in 2014, he joined their recruitment team and eventually was promoted to become their technical director.

Edwards returns in ‘high-powered role’…

Liverpool expert Paul Joyce has provided more details on FSG’s move to land Edwards and Hughes.

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It is noted that Edwards has ‘agreed to return in a high-powered role in which he will head football operations’ for FSG. The report adds.

‘An agreement was reached on Monday following more discussions with Edwards, who has been working as a consultant for Ludonautics, the company set up by Ian Graham, Liverpool’s former director of research.

‘Edwards has always said he would not be a sporting director again, having enjoyed great success in Liverpool’s rise under Klopp where his ability to manipulate the transfer market brought spectacular triumphs both in terms of buys and sales.

‘Details of his exact role are set to follow in due course, but it is understood the challenge mapped out to him by FSG is behind his decision to return in what will be an overarching role.

‘Edwards -– who spent a decade at Anfield between 2012 and 2022 — is an admirer of Hughes and his arrival is considered a formality.’