Liverpool’s Fabrizio Romano has indicated that the club is ‘now pretty close’ to reaching an agreement with Michael Edwards.
The former Reds sporting director appears to be returning to Merseyside in a more extended role.
“Thanks to positive meetings in the United States, Edwards started to be tempted and he’s now really close to accepting the job, returning to Liverpool and becoming the face of their new project with final details being signed off in the next days,” the author of Caught Offside told 888Sport.
Jorg Schmadtke’s association with the FSG and the Anfield-based outfit has come to an end, with the German poised to join compatriot Jurgen Klopp in leaving the club in May.
How FSG’s careful approach ensured Michael Edwards’ return
Our 56-year-old manager informed Fenway of his desire to quit the club as early as November, so the American group began putting out feelers.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the men who fell into the trap was a well-known figure in Edwards.
“In that situation, around January 30th, Edwards decided to reject the Liverpool proposition. The owners made an initial offer, but Michael was not convinced about returning to traditional football duties in general; this was not a problem for Liverpool; he was and is quite content with his job as consultant,” Romano wrote.
“But FSG refused to give up, returning with a new approach in February to persuade Michael Edwards that he was the only, big candidate they wanted to run football operations at Liverpool and begin the challenge of keeping the Reds at the highest level without Jurgen Klopp as manager, reference, legend.
“Liverpool decided for a final attempt with decision expected in March; yes or no, zero space for long wait, otherwise Reds were going to move on and search for different candidate.”
Credit where credit is due, FSG’s patient strategy has undoubtedly won out. That’s quite an accomplishment given the harsh criticism John W. Henry and his team faced during the delays in the search for Klopp’s successor.
Liverpool setting the groundwork for future success.
With Edwards and maybe Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes in place, the future seems promising.
The next stage is to sign one of Europe’s most highly rated youth coaches, Xabi Alonso.
If Liverpool can do this, the foundations for their continued dominance in club football will be laid.
