Michael Edwards is reportedly set to depart Liverpool and assume a senior sporting director role at Saudi Pro League giants Al‑Hilal.
Michael Edwards to Leave FSG and Liverpool for Al‑Hilal Role
According to Arriyadiyah, the 45‑year‑old has verbally accepted an offer from the Riyadh club and is expected to formalize the move soon—potentially before or after the FIFA Club World Cup.
This development represents a major coup for Al‑Hilal, one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious clubs, as they strive to elevate their global standing.
Edwards, widely renowned for his shrewd recruitment and long‑term vision, has been linked with building “best‑in‑class sporting structures”—a perfect match for Al‑Hilal’s project.
However, skeptics point out a glaring oversight in the narrative: the report mistakenly portrays Edwards as jobless, ignoring his return to Fenway Sports Group (FSG) in 2024 as CEO of Football.
In that influential oversight role, he not only supports Liverpool’s sporting strategy but also pioneers FSG’s ambitious multi‑club model.
Since returning, Edwards has been instrumental in Liverpool’s transfers, including appointing Richard Hughes as sporting director and driving the record pursuit of Florian Wirtz, expected to be completed next week.
Despite his crucial role, Al‑Hilal have reportedly dangled a transformative salary with tax‑free incentives, described by sources as “extraordinary”.
Yet insiders emphasize that Edwards “is happy as FSG’s CEO of Football” and has not actively sought a move—though he has “shown a desire to engage and discuss”.
If finalized, Edwards’s exit would be a seismic blow for Liverpool, arriving just as the club enters a new era under Arne Slot. His replacement will face the tough task of maintaining recruitment momentum and multi‑club ambitions.
At this stage, the move remains a “verbal agreement,” with no signed contract yet. Liverpool sources suggest FSG are working hard to retain Edwards, fully aware of the void his departure would create.
But with Al‑Hilal pushing hard, the story is far from over—and could dramatically reshape both Liverpool’s and Saudi football’s futures.
