EPL 2016/17: Liverpool to appoint sporting director to handle transfers and contract negotiations

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - EFL Cup Fourth Round : News Photo
Edwards is head of the technical operations of Liverpool’s transfer committee

Fenway Sports Group, owners of Liverpool Football Club, have decided to appoint Michael Edwards as the sporting director of the club to oversee transfer activity, including the financial side of the transfers.

Michael Edwards was brought to the club by former sporting director Damien Comolli and is set to be promoted to the role of sporting director from his role as head of technical operations of the transfer committee.

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The former Liverpool boss, Brendan Rodgers decided against appointing a sporting director since the departure of former Tottenham sporting director Damien Comolli, claiming he wanted sole responsibility of transfer dealings at Anfield.

The transfer committee included FSG president Mike Gordon, Ian Ayre, Rodgers, director of scouting Dave Fallows, chief scout Barry Hunter and Michael Edwards.

However, since Jurgen Klopp took over Rodgers role as manager of Liverpool midway through last season, the German was adamant that the club appoints a new head in the position available. Klopp is reported to have built a superb relationship and understanding with Edwards and has backed the latter's appointment by the club.

Ian Ayre, the club's chief executive, is on his way out of the club at the end of the season taking up a post at Munich 1860, with Edwards reportedly stepping up to take control over contract negotiations and the financial side of transfers.

The club and Klopp are confident that Edwards is the right man for the job and believe that he has the knowledge and expertise to manage the Merseyside’s club’s transfer dealings.

Edwards will work along with Klopp, who will still have the final word on all transfer activities. Edwards joined Liverpool in 2011, conducting operations at Melwood, a role he will continue to do and will now also manage player recruitment for the academy and the first team.

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Klopp, before joining Liverpool, worked under the same model during his spells at Mainz and Dortmund. Implementing the same model from his previous reign as manager in Germany, the German will look to Edwards to ease the transfer activity work at the club off his shoulders.

Liverpool currently sit in second place - joint top of the league with Manchester City - after weathering a difficult opening round of fixtures.

The Merseyside club welcome Watford to Anfield on Sunday as they look to continue their impressive start to the season and build towards the future.

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