KOP SHOCK: Liverpool dealt surprise blow as transfer chief Edwards QUITS senior FSG job in unwanted distraction for new Anfield boss Iraola

Michael Edwards has quit his role as chief executive officer of football for Fenway Sports Group - leaving

Liverpool

in the lurch.

He grew frustrated at FSG’s lack of progress in acquiring a second European team, which Edwards to first signal his intention to move on last autumn. He has now given his resignation and departs two years into a three-year contract with the organisation.

FSG president Mike Gordon will now assume more day-to-day control of Liverpool after they failed to persuade Edwards to stay.

Edwards was a crucial figure in creating the side that ultimately helped

Jurgen Klopp

deliver Liverpool's first

Premier League

in 2020. They had also won the

Champions League

12 months prior and his departure was seen as a blow.

FSG were able to lure him back in a more senior role, but Edwards has opted to move on after insufficient progress was made with the organisation's ambitions.

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A statement from Edwards said: "It has been a privilege to return to Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool

Football

Club at such an important moment. I leave believing Liverpool is in a strong position, with outstanding people, a clear direction and the foundations in place for continued success.

“When I returned, I was excited not only by the opportunity to help guide Liverpool through an important period of transition, but also by the chance to help shape FSG’s wider football ambitions.

"While that broader project ultimately evolved differently to how we had originally envisaged, I am proud of the work our team undertook in presenting ownership with a broad range of thoughtful and well-developed options for the future. I’d like to thank Mike, John (Henry), Tom (Werner) and everyone across FSG and Liverpool for their support and friendship and, most importantly, the supporters, whose passion makes this club so special. I will always be grateful to have been part of its story.”

When Edwards returned his remit extending beyond Liverpool and towards expanding FSG’s football operations. They took a close look at 25 different clubs with Edwards passionate about adopting a multi-club format - which is currently used by

Manchester City

.

Getafe, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Malaga were among the clubs FSG considered, but ultimately they backed out of securing any deals. The possibility of buying a second team in the future has not been ruled out but, but FSG has continued to plough money into Liverpool and broke the British transfer record twice last summer.

Liverpool's only two Premier League titles - in 2020 and then in 2025 - have both come with Edwards having an influence of some capacity.

Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes is currently discussing a move to

Saudi Pro League

side Al-Hilal, leading to a major sense of uncertainty among the Anfield hierarchy.

Hughes’ contract is due to expire in the summer of 2027 and he has only just appointed Andoni Iraola as head coach after

Arne Slot

’s dismissal at the end of May.