Michael Edwards snubs Liverpool return to help with restructure after Jurgen Klopp exit
Liverpool have failed in their attempt to bring back acclaimed sporting director Michael Edwards.
Edwards walked away from Anfield in the summer of 2022, having spent 11 years at Liverpool helping orchestrate their resurgence under managers Brendan Rodgers and, more prominently, Jurgen Klopp through expert transfer dealings. On Friday, Klopp dropped a bombshell by confirming that he'd leave the club at the end of this season, which will prompt a major restructuring at the club.
Not only is the Reds' beloved boss leaving, though, but so too is sporting director Jorg Schmadtke once the January transfer window slams shut on Thursday. That's put Anfield chiefs in an even more difficult situation and the club made a rapid move for Edwards in the wake of Klopp's announcement.
Mike Gordon, president of Fenway Sports Group (FSG) who own Liverpool, called Edwards to gauge his interest in occupying a senior role either within the club or FSG. That'd allow him to oversee Liverpool's imminent restructuring, but the Athletic report that he won't be returning to Anfield, passing Gordon up on the offer.
Edwards left his post May 2022 and was succeeded by his assistant, Julian Ward. A year later, however, Ward decided to leave, paving the way for Schmadtke to take on the Reds' recruitment responsibilities on a short-term basis.
Fans fear that Klopp's departure will also prompt a mass exodus including some of Liverpool's most important players. Captain Virgil van Dijk has already admitted that he'll need to think about his future, with the Dutch defender, 32, out of contract at the end of next season.
Klopp insists that supporters shouldn't be concerned, saying at a press conference on Tuesday: "A week ago when no one knew about my decision
Read on m.allfootballapp.com
