Michael Edwards returns to Liverpool in a new role
When things get rocky, it is normal to seek advice or help from someone you know and are comfortable with. That is the case with Fenway Sports Group as they have successfully brought Michael Edwards back to the club in a new capacity.
FSG Principal owner John Henry and President Mike Gordon both met with Edwards in recent weeks as they dubbed him the best option to lead the Reds into a new future without Jurgen Klopp.
Edwards is being brought back to as the Director of Football Operations for FSG. However, at the moment, the only club under FSG's control is Liverpool. His first act of business appears to be appointing Richard Hughes as the new Sporting Director at Anfield.
It has been an interesting two years since Edwards first decided to leave the club after a magnificent spell at the club. With him back in the fold, he will immediately begin searching for Klopp's replacement.
He is the perfect candidate for this job because he was the one that identified Jurgen Klopp as the best fit to take over from Brendan Rodgers.
The final 3 was Eddie Howe (Then at Bournemouth), Carlo Ancelotti and Klopp. According to the Athletic, Klopp filled the criteria set by Edwards.
"Howe did not have the experience of competing in the Champions League, whereas Klopp ticked every box in terms of achievement, transfer business and playing style. Edwards made his recommendation to FSG and left them to get on with the business of making it happen."
It proved to be the perfect match as Klopp would work with Edwards to rebuild a side that featured the likes of Alberto Moreno, Mamadou Sakho and Nathaniel Clyne to the world beaters that we came to know and love.
It was because of Edwards that Liverpool adjusted their transfer focus to bringing in younger players with high upside. That business model looked to be very fruitful. A look at some of the players Liverpool signed under Edwards' stewardship should have you excited for the future again.
Philippe Coutinho. Sadio Mane. Virgil van Dijk. Alisson Becker. Mohamed Salah. Roberto Firmino. Andrew Robertson. Diogo Jota.
It was Edwards that convinced Klopp to sign Salah over Julian Brandt which might be his best bit of persuasion ever done. Brandt is a good player, but Salah has become an All-time great.
Edwards had his own reasoning for making a return after turning down previous overtures from FSG for him to return;
"It was vital for me that, if I did return, it had to be with renewed vigour and energy,” he said. “In practice, this means having fresh challenges and opportunities."
He continued; "As such, one of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club, growing this area of their organisation. I believe that to remain competitive, investment and expansion of the current football portfolio is necessary."
If Edwards can replicate the magic from his first tenure at Liverpool, the transition to a new era at Anfield might be be a lot smoother than originally feared. FSG got their man once again, and the entire club should see an instant impact as a result.