Michael Edwards has resigned as chief executive of football for Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the owner of Liverpool Football Club. Edwards informed FSG in autumn 2025 of his intention to step down once he felt the club's future plans were secure. FSG confirmed his departure on Friday, despite wanting him to remain.
Edwards' exit linked to shelved multi-club strategy
Edwards' decision is directly tied to FSG's abandonment of plans to add a second club to its football portfolio. He was lured back to Liverpool in March 2024 to oversee the transition from the Jürgen Klopp era, with a broader remit than his previous role as the club's first sporting director from 2016 to 2022. A key part of that remit was expanding FSG's football operations, including multi-club ownership and strategic partnerships.
However, despite evaluating clubs such as Getafe and Bordeaux, FSG failed to find a suitable acquisition and shelved the plans last year. The purchase of a second club could be revisited, but FSG's decision cast doubt on Edwards' position. He departs with a year left on his contract and is unlikely to receive a payoff, as it was his choice to leave. FSG may not directly replace him, given the role was created specifically for him.
Edwards reflects on his tenure
Edwards said: "It has been a privilege to return to Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool Football Club at such an important moment. I leave believing Liverpool is in a strong position, with outstanding people, a clear direction and the foundations in place for continued success. When I returned, I was excited not only by the opportunity to help guide Liverpool through an important period of transition, but also by the chance to help shape FSG's wider football ambitions. While that broader project ultimately evolved differently to how we had originally envisaged, I am proud of the work our team undertook in presenting ownership with a broad range of thoughtful and well-developed options for the future."
Impact on Liverpool's transfer operations
Edwards' exit is not expected to affect Liverpool's summer transfer operations. Transfer business is conducted by sporting director Richard Hughes, and plans for the current window are well established. However, the departure adds to uncertainty surrounding Liverpool's hierarchy. Hughes, whose contract runs until 2027, has been strongly linked with a lucrative move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. Hughes, who sacked Arne Slot and appointed Andoni Iraola as his replacement in tandem with Edwards, could depart after the summer transfer window closes.
FSG's response and future leadership
FSG's president, Mike Gordon, is expected to take a more hands-on role in Edwards' absence. Gordon said: "Throughout both periods he has consistently demonstrated exceptional judgment, integrity and an unwavering commitment to building a strong football organisation for the long term. His return to the organisation saw Liverpool successfully navigate a significant period of transition before securing the club's historic 20th English league title, an achievement to which Michael made an important contribution. While we are naturally disappointed to see him leave, we will always be grateful for everything he has given." Edwards first joined Liverpool in 2011 and created a new football leadership structure during his second spell.
