Michael Edwards to quit Liverpool? CEO source issues ‘very surprising’ verdict
Michael Edwards only came back into the fold at Liverpool last year (2024) but is already coveted elsewhere following the club’s Premier League title triumph.
GiveMeSport reported (20 May) that the Fenway Sport Group chief has now been approached by Al-Hilal to discuss taking up a senior role at the club.
Finance expert has Stefan Borson told Football Insider (25 May) that Edwards has likely been offered an “extraordinary” deal to join the Saudi Pro League giants.
The 44-year-old first joined the Merseyside giants in 2011 and became sporting director in 2016 before leaving in the summer of 2022 – but is now chief executive of football for FSG.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has shared a “very surprising” verdict on Edwards walking away from Anfield.
Edwards unlikely to leave Liverpool for ‘leap into the unknown’, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness claimed Edwards is “enjoying his time at Liverpool” and suggested a Saudi move could be “too big a leap into the unknown”.
The Reds are set to kick off their summer transfer business with a club-record move for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, while Jeremie Frimpong is also set to join from the Bundesliga side.
Wyness insisted he would be “very surprised” if Edwards headed to the Middle East.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “There’s no doubt that he is one of the brightest football brains in the game.
“This brings us into a whole new generation of Saudi poaching talent.
“They’re realising it isn’t about managers or players, but about sporting brains and structure.
“If he goes, it will be very lucrative for him. But I imagine there’s a bigger plan than just the Saudi Pro League.
“His brain is very valuable.
“I’d be very surprised if he goes, however. I think he’s enjoying his time at Liverpool. He knows everyone, he’s trusted, he understands how everything works.
“I think it would probably be too big a leap to go into the unknown.
“But if it’s not him, then it will be another of the brain’s trust in football that may look to go down to Saudi.
“It’s a very interesting move, in my opinion.”
Liverpool could accept ‘huge’ winger offer
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (23 May) that Liverpool are prepared to accept a “huge” offer for Luis Diaz amid growing interest from Barcelona.
The Reds would like to keep the Colombia international, but are open to offers which could allow them to reinvest in their squad.
Diaz, 28, scored 13 Premier League goals this term to help them win the English title for the 20th time.
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