OFFICIAL: Liverpool sporting director to quit amid Newcastle links

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 10 Nov 2021 16:16 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool have confirmed that highly regarded sporting director Michael Edwards will step down from his role with the club at the end of the season.

Edwards has been linked with a post at Newcastle United, although various reports deny that he is interested in the job. Indeed, the latest on his future is that he has no job lined up.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have confirmed that Julian Ward will replace him as Liverpool's sporting director once his contract expires at the end of the season.

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Edwards first arrived at Anfield in 2011 as a performance analyst but has grown to become one of the most important members of the club's hierarchy. In November 2016, he was made sporting director.

In a statement published on Liverpool's official website, Edwards said: “To be part of this club during this period has been a privilege due to the people I have been fortunate enough to work with and the success we have enjoyed.

“I had always planned to cap my time at the club to a max 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. 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 (or change) on the things that have been put in place beforehand.

“Julian has been building up the skill set for this role for many years. Last year, he took on the role of assistant sporting director and over the past 12 months he has been introduced to other facets of the role that are vital to its success. I believe he is ideal for the role.

“Over the coming season I will continue to support him as we complete the leadership transition.”

Edwards, who has also been linked to a post at Real Madrid in the past, leaves with a formidable reputation, having signed the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool.