Sporting director Michael Edwards will leave FC Liverpool at the end of the season. His successor is already in place.
In an open letter on the LFC website, 42-year-old Edwards made his departure public on Wednesday. Media reports surrounding the departure had already emerged in recent weeks. “I am past my last summer transfer window as Liverpool’s sporting director,” Edwards wrote in a lengthy text.
He had initially moved to the Mersey from Tottenham Hotspur as chief analyst in 2011 and had been sporting director since 2016. “I always planned to leave my time at the club at a maximum of ten years,” Edwards wrote. “I have loved working here but I believe in change. I believe it is good for a person,” he said, explaining his move. Rumours had recently surfaced of Edwards joining RB Leipzig, but Oliver Mintzlaff, chief executive at the Saxons, had firmly denied them.
Ward takes over for Edwards
The club issued a statement thanking Edwards for playing a “pivotal role “ in the Reds’ recent successes with his team. “He has been a constant during my time at LFC, his contribution to our success is clear for everyone to see,” head coach Jurgen Klopp was quoted as saying.
Edwards’ successor at Liverpool, meanwhile, is already set. Julian Ward will take over the vacant position from next season. The 40-year-old was previously Edwards’ assistant.
