Liverpool sporting director, Michael Edwards, is expected to step down from his role at the end of the season, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
Edwards, 41, has been at Anfield since 2011, and has been in his current role since 2016.
Michael Edwards to Leave Liverpool
Major Part in the Club’s Success
Edwards is credited with playing a major part in the recent success of the club.
The sporting director many of the Reds’ recent transfers, including Sadio Mane, Mohammed Salah and Alisson, who have helped them win the Premier League and Champions League.
Edwards has been at Anfield since 2011, initially joining the analytics department. He has worked his way through various role before landing the sporting director job in 2016.
Under his and Jurgen Klopp’s stewardship, Liverpool have returned as a major force in English football.
While he could still sign a new deal to continue on Merseyside, many are expecting him to leave next summer, with the report suggesting he has already spoken to his employers.
Liverpool will now begin their search for a new sporting director, but the appointment may be kept in house. The Athletic suggest that Julian Ward, who is assistant sporting director at Anfield, may take over from Edwards.
Edwards’ role in transforming Liverpool has included matters off the pitch.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo about the club’s new training ground, Edwards said: “The fact that the players can walk up the main stairs and still walk past and pop in to see (head of player care) Jane [Griffiths], or (first-team operations manager) Ray [Haughan], or Jurgen or me, is important.
“I believe that helps with the feeling of togetherness and support, so we were keen to keep as much of those elements as possible.
“To think that you have been part of the history of the club and helped better people’s environment is very satisfying.”
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