Michael Edwards has stepped down as chief football officer of Fenway Sports Group (FSG), which owns Liverpool, leaving the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.
FSG’s statement added that it was a “planned transition” for Edwards to end his two-term contract at Anfield.
He spent more than a decade at the club between 2011 and 2022, first as performance director and then as sporting director in 2016.
He returned as CEO in March 2024 to oversee all Liverpool’s football operations as Jurgen Klopp prepares to leave the club. Edwards was credited with bringing in key players who helped the Reds qualify for the 2019/20 Premier League, their first league title since 1990.
Arne Slott took over in June 2024 and led Liverpool to their 20th Premier League title. However, he was replaced by Andoni Iraola in early June after a poor second season.
The FSG statement added: “Edwards’ resignation marks the culmination of a planned transition following the completion of key strategic priorities.
Edwards helped lead Liverpool to success under Jurgen Klopp before leaving the club for the first time in 2022.
“Since returning to the organization in March 2024, he has helped guide Liverpool through a period of significant change, including the implementation of a new football leadership structure and the appointment of a new manager.
“He also oversaw the continued development of the club’s football operations during a period that saw Liverpool win a historic 20th English league title in 2025 before preparing for the next phase of their development.”
His departure comes during a summer transfer window where replacing Mohamed Salah will be one of the biggest challenges ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
There is also speculation that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes could be on the move, which would further shake up the club’s hierarchy.
There were rumors that Richard Hughes (right) would also leave Liverpool this summer.
Edwards added in a statement: “It has been a privilege to return to Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool Football Club at this important moment. I believe Liverpool is in a strong position with outstanding people, clear direction and the foundations for continued success.”
“When I returned, I was excited by the opportunity to lead Liverpool through a significant transition period, as well as to help shape FSG’s wider football ambitions. While that wider project ultimately developed differently to how we had originally envisaged, I am proud of the work our team has done to present ownership with broad, thoughtful and well-developed options for the future.
“I would like to thank Mike (Gordon), John (W. Henry), Tom (C. Werner) and everyone at FSG and Liverpool for their support and friendship, and most importantly, the supporters whose passion makes this club so special. I will always be grateful to have been part of this story.”
