New twist to Liverpool transfer mastermind’s fate as new contract talks stall
Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards does not reportedly have a new club lined up as his contract winds down, contrary to previous claims.
The Reds chief has proved an influential figure at Anfield since moving to the club from Tottenham in 2011. While he started as a chief analyst, his influence quickly grew.
Indeed, Edwards became the sporting director in November 2016 and he has rose in popularity among fans since.
He has negotiated a host of deals to help build Jurgen Klopp’s trophy-winning team. However, he has also orchestrated profitable player sales.
Nevertheless, as he approaches his 10-year anniversary of working at Liverpool, reports claim that Edwards wants to leave the club on a high.
As for where he could move to next, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez supposedly has his eyes on him.
In fact, the Los Blancos chief reportedly wants Edwards to help bring in a new era for the Spanish giants. Newcastle have also had links with bringing him in, following their takeover by a Saudi-led consortium.
According to Football Insider, though, Edwards is instead ‘seeking a new challenge’. Indeed, he does not have an ambitious new club in mind to slot in as transfer chief.
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Nevertheless, his Liverpool future remains uncertain. He has yet to agree a new deal and he will likely move on.
Edwards has helped bring in the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Diogo Jota.
At the same time, the reported £142million sale of Philippe Coutinho also proved a highlight.
Liverpool have potential Edwards successor
However, as previously reported by The Athletic, Liverpool feel confident that they can transition from Edwards’ departure.
Julian Ward, the sporting director’s current assistant, has become ‘increasingly visible’ and ‘influential’ at Anfield since being appointed last December and he could step up again.
Ward has formed solid working relationships with his superior, Klopp and Liverpool’s other recruitment staff.
The Reds are facing a crucial period as they look to keep the bulk of Klopp’s star-studded team around. While they have signed up the likes of Jordan Henderson, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, Mohamed Salah’s contract remains an issue.
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