Already annoyed about a perceived lack of transfer business this summer, Liverpool fans were alarmed further on Friday after news arrived that Michael Edwards has left his role with FSG.
Naturally, given his abnormally high profile in the world of sporting directors, Edwards‘ exit raised eyebrows across the football world, and gave further proof that all is not right behind the scenes at Anfield.
However, while it may appear to be a shock to the system on the surface, Edwards had long been expected to leave by the end of his contract in 2027, and though Liverpool are in the middle of a crucial transfer window, he is no longer a key player in the Reds’ business.
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Edwards has little to no impact on transfers
Edwards came back to FSG on the proviso that the Americans would buy him a second football club which he could then oversee operations at.
Ultimately, that did not happen, and the former Liverpool sporting director has been metaphorically twiddling his thumbs for quite some time now.
Clearly, he has – or had – influence behind the scenes, and it is impossible that Richard Hughes, for example, would have been hired without his input. But Hughes drives Liverpool’s transfers, not Edwards.
The worry comes from the fact that Hughes is heading to Saudi Arabia inside the next year, leaving Liverpool in need of a sporting director. But as far as Edwards is concerned, his departure should mean little in terms of day-to-day running.
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Liverpool still have people to get deals over the line
There is no way that Liverpool would leave themselves short in key areas behind the scenes heading into any transfer window, let alone one as important as Andoni Iraola’s first at the club.
Though Edwards’ decision to step down has seemingly been his own, it also seems unlikely that he would leave the Reds in the lurch.
There is seemingly full confidence in Hughes behind closed doors, and regardless of whether Edwards is there or not, the Scotsman has highly qualified people around him to help out.
The likes of Julian Ward and David Woodfine – who is surely a contender to succeed Hughes when he leaves – have been around the block plenty of times, and they will still be working hard to get the right deals in place this summer.
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Some have aired worries that Hughes could effectively ‘down tools,’ but his reputation is on the line at Liverpool, and you would like to think professional pride will kick in.
Concern is understandable with such a high profile behind the scenes figure leaving at such short notice, but, in reality, Edwards has not impacted the goings on at Liverpool since 2022.
Mike Gordon will reportedly take on a bigger role, and with the FSG veteran having had similar roles previously, there should be few worries about him delivering once again.
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