- Michael Edwards left his position at Liverpool in 2022
- Mail Sport revealed that the Anfield overhaul could be a chance to lure him back
- Is Jurgen Klopp protesting a little too much after Virgil van Dijk refused to commit his future to Liverpool? It all kicks off the Transfer Week podcast
Liverpool have explored the possibility of former sporting director Michael Edwards returning to the club in a new capacity, but he has rejected the proposal.
Mail Sport understands – as detailed in Monday’s ‘Transfer Confidential’ column – that in the wake of Jurgen Klopp’s announcement of his departure, Mike Gordon, president of Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group, called Edwards this weekend to discuss the idea putting forward that he should take on a more senior role to oversee the restructuring of the club.
However, Edwards is looking for other challenges and is reluctant to return to Anfield despite his commitment to the club.
The 44-year-old has been a target for Chelsea and Manchester United since officially leaving Liverpool in May 2022 and was succeeded by Julian Ward, his former assistant.
At the time he said: ‘I had always intended to limit my time at the club to a maximum of ten years. I have enjoyed working here, but I am a big believer in change. I think it’s good for the individual and, in a work environment, good for the employer too.
Former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards has reportedly rejected a return to Anfield
Jürgen Klopp and his staff will leave at the end of the season, heralding a looming restructuring
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‘Over my time here we’ve changed so many things (hopefully for the better), but someone new brings a different perspective and new ideas and can hopefully build on (or change) the things that have been set up before .
‘I think that companies/football clubs will continue to lead the way; you have to evolve.”
It is believed Edwards will want a different role when he returns to a football club. Liverpool acknowledged that and continue to look for a new sporting director, who would have worked under Edwards, now that Jorg Schmadtke has confirmed he will also leave the club.
Edwards took a break after leaving Liverpool but has teamed up with the club’s former research guru Ian Graham to set up data consultancy Ludonautics, which advises clubs such as Bolton Wanderers.
Edwards was responsible for luring Mohamed Salah (left) and Virgil van Dijk (right) to the club
The Reds’ current sporting director, Jorg Schmadtke, will leave at the end of January
Edwards (left, next to Jurgen Klopp) was seen as the brains behind the club’s recruitment