Liverpool remain hopeful that former sporting director Michael Edwards WILL return to the club in some capacity… with Fenway Sports Group keen to maintain identity ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s summer departure

Liverpool have not given up on bringing former sporting director Michael Edwards back to the club in another capacity.

The Carabao Cup winners are heading into a summer of change, with manager Jurgen Klopp leaving and sporting director Jorg Schmadtke following his compatriot out the door.

Discussions over replacements have been ongoing since late November, but as Mail Sport reported last month, the club’s owners are aware of the importance of maintaining continuity and an identity that has served them so well during the period of Klopp.

With that in mind, Mike Gordon, president of Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group, approached Edwards in late January to discuss his possible return.

Edwards, who left his role as sporting director in 2022, has made it clear he does NOT want to return in a similar role and has politely rejected Liverpool’s approach.

Liverpool’s owners are keen for the club to retain its identity ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s departure

However, despite the initial setback, the Anfield club have not given up hope and continue to assess how they can restructure their lineup and find a more exciting challenge for Edwards within their group.

They are also continuing the process of finding both a new squad leader and manager, although it was hoped Edwards would play a role in that selection.

Since leaving Liverpool, the 44-year-old has attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea – who were keen to discuss a more general position – and luring Edwards back should be a more dynamic task.

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 on recruitment.

Having enjoyed such success in his first spell at the club, Edwards would also need to assess the risks to his reputation if he returns to Anfield during such a state of flux.

The Reds approached Edwards in late January to discuss his potential return

On leaving Liverpool he said: ‘I’ve loved working here but I’m a big believer in change. I think it’s good for the individual and, in a work environment, it’s also good for the employer.”

With current research director Will Spearman stepping into his role, Liverpool will continue to carry out due diligence on potential sporting directors and managers regardless of Edwards’ next move.

Former AC Milan football director Frederic Massara and Nice’s Florent Ghisolfi are names that have been mentioned and Liverpool want that appointment ahead of their new manager.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso remains the ideal candidate for that role, but the merits of Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim and former Bayern coach Julien Nagelsmann would also be considered.