Liverpool’s pursuit of former sporting director Michael Edwards for a higher role sets the stage for a strategic shift, while they eye Xabi Alonso as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp amidst Leverkusen’s remarkable season. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)
Last week, Liverpool made a big move by bringing Michael Edwards, their former sporting director, back into the fold. Edwards, a key player in Liverpool’s recent successes, flew out to Boston for talks with the club’s top honchos, including owner John W Henry and FSG chief Michael Gordon.
However, this isn’t just about getting Edwards back in his old job. No, Liverpool is offering him something bigger, something with more power. Edwards wants a senior role where he can have more say in how things are run, especially when it comes to football operations. This means he might end up picking the next sporting director, a role he held with distinction from 2016 to 2022.
Even though Edwards initially turned down an offer, Liverpool is persistent. Back in 2016, Edwards took on the sporting director job when he was just 37, and his influence was undeniable in Liverpool’s rise to the top of English and European football.
FSG is eager to have Edwards back to drive their data-driven approach forward. Jorg Schmadtke, who stepped in temporarily last summer, will depart alongside Julian Ward, Edwards’ successor. Once Edwards makes his decision, Liverpool will intensify their search for a new sporting director, which will in turn expedite the process of finding a replacement for Jurgen Klopp.
Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen remains Liverpool’s top choice, despite Bayern Munich’s interest in him. However, Liverpool is cautious about unsettling Alonso, given Leverkusen’s strong performance this season as they chase their first Bundesliga title. Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon and Roberto de Zerbi from Brighton are also on Liverpool’s radar as potential managerial candidates.
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