Michael Edwards Must Rebuild the Liverpool Squad
Ever since Liverpool Football Club and their former Sporting Director, Michael Edwards, parted ways in 2022, I have long held a hope that he would return to continue the brilliance which once helped this club become the best on the planet.
Components Under FSG Umbrella
All the vital components aligned under the FSG umbrella (whether fans like it or not), which allowed the then manager, Jürgen Klopp, to deliver a stream of silverware that had become little more than a distant memory. Near perfection in working performance was undertaken throughout the various levels of the Anfield engine room, until Edwards and the untouchable Klopp engaged within an internal struggle when the regeneration loomed, one that saw the German prevail to take control of all footballing matters.
Elite Level Men and Planning
Though it is a shame that these two elite level men of the game could no longer coexist under the same roof, it was superior planning by John Henry and co to maintain a relationship with both Edwards and his original replacement, Julian Ward (who also later resigned), so that the band could one day reformed.
Resignation and Speculation
I imagine the former directors were in sporadic contact and biding their time until the inevitable resignation of the manager dropped, all whilst rumours of various clubs approaching each were being batted away. That specific resignation bombshell landed into the Merseyside sphere in February of this year, after the former Borussia Dortmund boss had informed his employers back in November of 2023. I cannot see how a phone call to the man in waiting, Edwards, was not carried out by Liverpool Chief Executive, Mike Gordon, almost immediately after the staggering news was delivered.
Negotiations and Media
Despite the media pointing to stuttering negotiations between the parties, I suspect the deal was very quickly engineered and a pantomime of smoke and mirrors was played out to show respect to the illustrious and outgoing German.
Decision Making of the New Sporting CEO
All Liverpool fans are very aware of the superb decision making of the new Sporting CEO, after his oversight in recruitment allowed so much success during his initial spell. Ultimately, the 44-year-old is going to be judged by the fanbase immediately, given he is the man that chose Arne Slot to become the clubs new head coach. Such a huge choice and every step for the foreseeable future will now be judged against the legend of the former manager, which is a bar set very high.
Transfer Window and Squad Reshaping
With a squad not entirely devised by the Southampton born executive, this incoming transfer window represents a critical opportunity to reshape that which has been handed off. As the season ended, reports started to emerge from reputable journalists that the likes of Darwin Núñez, Ryan Gravenberch, and even Waturu Endō, were not players ideally chosen by the recruitment team, but those selected by the management team. The current scenario is clear and it will almost certainly see the squad reshaped dramatically over the next two summers (four windows), with strong alterations expected in June.
Leadership and Future Prospects
The various tiers of the coaching and executive groups are being filled expertly and specifically, with the multi club model being engineered in the background. There can be absolutely no doubt as to who is in charge and given that definitive leadership, I cannot see how Michael Edwards and his new Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, does not make significant strides to build something that he can be confident in, as whether he likes it, the FSG buck now stops with him.
Conclusion
This is promising to be one Merseyside summer not to be missed, at least on the red half, that is.
https://x.com/anythinglfc_/status/1796560246510665945?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ
https://x.com/sammcguire90/status/1796457104473268379?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ
Steven Smith
