- Michael Edwards stepped away from his senior role at Liverpool back in 2022
- Mail Sport revealed the overhaul at Anfield may be a chance to lure him back
- Is Jurgen Klopp protesting a little too much after Virgil van Dijk refused to commit his future to Liverpool? It’s All Kicking Off Transfer Week podcast
Liverpool have explored the possibility of their former sporting director Michael Edwards returning to the club in a new capacity but he has turned down the proposal.
Mail Sport understands – as detailed in Monday’s Transfer Confidential column – that Mike Gordon, president of Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group, in the wake of Jurgen Klopp giving notice of his departure, called Edwards at the weekend to float the idea of him occupying a more senior role to oversee the restructure of the club.
However, Edwards is looking for other challenges and is reluctant to return to Anfield despite his attachment to the club.
The 44-year-old has been a target for Chelsea and Manchester United since he officially left Liverpool in May 2022 and was succeeded by Julian Ward, his former assistant.
At the time, he said: ‘I had always planned to cap my time at the club to a maximum of 10 years. I’ve loved working here, but I am a big believer in change. I think it’s good for the individual and, in a work setting, good for the employer too.
Former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards has reportedly declined an Anfield return
Jurgen Klopp and his staff will leave at the end of the season, sparking a looming restructure
‘Over my time here we have changed so many things (hopefully for the better) but someone new brings a different perspective, new ideas and can hopefully build on (or change) the things that have been put in place beforehand.
‘That’s how I believe businesses/football clubs stay ahead; you need to evolve.’
Edwards is understood to want a different role should he return to a football club. Liverpool recognised that and remain in the market for a new sporting director, who would have worked under Edwards, now that Jorg Schmadtke has confirmed he is to leave the club also.
Edwards took a break following his departure from Liverpool but has teamed…