Michael Edwards has stepped down as chief executive of football at Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's parent company, departing two years into a three-year contract.

FSG described the exit as part of a "planned transition following the completion of key strategic priorities," while group president Mike Gordon acknowledged the owners are "naturally disappointed" to see him go.

A second spell cut short

Edwards rejoined Liverpool's orbit in March 2024, brought back by FSG to steer the club through the post-Jurgen Klopp era. In a statement, he reflected on the work done during his return.

"Liverpool is in a strong position, with outstanding people, a clear direction and the foundations in place for continued success. 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."

His first stint at Liverpool began in 2011, and he was elevated to sporting director in 2016 before departing in the summer of 2022. That tenure earned him a formidable reputation in the transfer market — his signings included Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson, and Virgil van Dijk, the players who powered Liverpool's 30-year wait for a top-flight league title to an end in 2020.

Challenges ahead for Liverpool

Edwards leaves at a turbulent moment for the club. Replacing Salah, who departed at the end of last season after years as Liverpool's talisman, is among the most pressing tasks for the season ahead.

There are also reports that sporting director Richard Hughes could be considering his own exit, adding further uncertainty to the club's football operations structure.

On the pitch, Jurgen Klopp's successor Arne Slot delivered a Premier League title in his debut season in 2024-25, but a difficult follow-up campaign led to him being replaced by Andoni Iraola.