Liverpool and FSG's key roles explained after Michael Edwards exit and restructure
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Liverpool and FSG are undergoing another major upheaval this summer, with Michael Edwards and Arne Slot both leaving their roles, while Richard Hughes is expected to followBarry Hunter, Julian Ward, Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes and David Woodfine after Liverpool's Premier League title win in 2025(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool is undergoing another major revamp this summer, just two years after undergoing a major restructuring in the wake of Jurgen Klopp’s departure as manager.The German’s exit saw a number of key figures return as Arne Slot was appointed as his successor, and the changes seemed to have worked when the Reds romped to the Premier League title lat year.Just 12 months later though, and it’s all change once again, with Slot fired after a poor second season in charge while more changes are afoot. Michael Edwards has now left as FSG’s CEO of Football, while sporting director Richard Hughes is expected to follow him soon.No further exits are expected at this time, but it is another dramatic change for Liverpool following the restructure of just a couple of years ago.
In his role as CEO of Football, Edwards had overseen the club’s restructure amid Klopp’s departure, making a number of key appointments so far, as well as leading FSG’s plans for a multi-club model - something which now looks to have been shelved.FSG is not expected to appoint a direct replacement for Michael Edwards(Image: Getty Images)Julian Ward remains in place though after joining Edwards in returning two years ago. The former sporting director is now technical director for Liverpool’s owners, with his role seeing him take charge of the development of players, which he was also expected to do within the proposed new portfolio of clubs.Pedro Marques joined FSG from Benfica as director of football development.
Like Slot, Iraola has been given the title of head coach, which saw a departure from Jurgen Klopp's previous title as manager.With Iraola coming in, Slot's previous backroom staff has also been replaced, with Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper arriving as first-team coaches, Pablo de la Torre coming in as an assistant, while Tom Webber was appointed as first-team tactical analyst, with all four having previously worked with Iraola at Bournemouth.Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola with sporting director Richard Hughes and the club's academy director Alex Inglethorpe(Image: Getty Images)Richard Hughes remains the club’s sporting director for now, although he is expected to leave after this summer's transfer window in order to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, where he will work with former Bournemouth colleague Simon Francis.David Woodfine returned to Liverpool in 2024, a year after his departure as head of loan pathways to become Hughes’ assistant. Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.Matt Newberry is the club's director of global talent, following in the footsteps of former head of scouting and recruitment Dave Fallows, who left Liverpool shortly after the 2024 restructuring.Mark Burchill followed Hughes to Anfield having served as Bournemouth’s chief scout, taking up the same role at Liverpool.Finally, Will Spearman remains the club’s director of research, having replaced Ian Graham in 2023.