Following the announcement of the former Sporting Director; Michael Edwards' return to Merseyside, many fans have been left elated with the deal to bring him back to Anfield. The man responsible for many impressive signings under Jurgen Klopp, such as Mohammed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Virgil Van Dijk.
The Englishman oversaw a huge shift in Liverpool's success that lead to Jurgen Klopp winning all the trophies available to him. Edwards will come in alongside Richard Hughes ( former Bournemouth Sporting Director) and they will both be responsible for the transfers for the future Liverpool manager. According to the Athletic, Richard Hughes has been described as a "walking talking phone book." and could be integral in the contract extension of Liverpool's captain: Virgil Van Dijk.
The Merseyside Reds previously looked to be in hot water when Jurgen Klopp announced his departure at the end of the season, this left many fans pondering about the future of the club and what direction it was heading in. However, these two huge announcements have put a lot of minds at ease with Edwards rejecting approaches from Chelsea and Manchester United.
Fenway Sports Group, the current owners of Liverpool, have pulled of a great deal as Edwards and Hughes have a great portfolio of getting value for money in their transfer dealings. Famously, Michael Edwards demanded that the club sign Mohammed Salah for only £35 million pounds over Julian Brandt in the summer of 2017 and the rest is history.
Edwards has been integral in the success of the club, as much as it has been Jurgen Klopp, the signings have been impeccable and at an amazing cut price for players such as Fabinho (£40 million) and Sadio Mane (£35 million). Rumours circulated that Edwards left in 2020 due to a fallout with the hierarchy at the club as well as Jurgen Klopp. Allegedly, Edwards did not want to renew the contract of Jordan Henderson and was desperate to bring in Aurelian Tchouameni and Bruno Guimaraes. Both now thriving at Real Madrid and Newcastle United respectively.
With Jurgen Klopp leaving at the end of the season, it was imperative that FSG got the infrastructure correct, before making any approaches for a new manager ( Read here to find out who could be the next Liverpool manager.) Rumours from several news outlets suggest that Xabi Alonso will be top of the Reds' candidates and the Spaniard will work alongside Edwards and Hughes to create a new dynasty at the club.
The Athletic report that Edwards took the job due to the prospect of Liverpool becoming a multi-club sporting institute, similar to Manchester City and Real Madrid. An exciting product that could lead to a line of fantastic youth prospects from the club they eventually partner with. With the infrastructure now in place, it is looking to be an exciting period ahead for the Merseyside Reds, a new manager and two very impressive figures in Edwards and Hughes. The upcoming summer will be revolutionary for Liverpool and it is integral that they stay as one of the best teams in the world under a completely new infrastructure.