FSG are in talks to extend Edwards’ contract as Slot and Hughes plan is made clear

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TBR Football understands that Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have opened discussions with their footballing chief, Michael Edwards, over a new long-term deal.

Edwards is seen as the key figure in their system, having returned to the club in 2024 as their head of football after previously serving as their sporting director from 2016 to 2022.

Edwards has since delivered Richard Hughes as their new sporting director, followed by Jurgen Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot.

TBR Football can confirm that FSG have already had talks with Edwards about their future plans, and he is central to them.

Edwards, in turn, has plans in place to extend both Hughes and Slot. All three have deals that are due to run until 2027.

Exclusive: Liverpool want to extend the contracts of key trio

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has exclusively revealed that FSG believe they have the best backroom staff in world football and want to ensure Edwards, Hughes, and Slot remain at Anfield for the long-term.

Bailey states: “I am told that FSG are very happy with the status quo – they love Edwards, and believe his decisions over Hughes and in turn Slot, have been invaluable to the club’s success.

“The fact that FSG trusts Edwards, Hughes, and Slot was key in them approving a huge summer spend, which included breaking the British record twice.

“Sources tell me that unless FSG were convinced they would not have committed to the spend, they believe they have the best off-field team in the world, and they want to keep it in place.”

Hughes had an impressive summer transfer window as the Reds embarked on the highest spend in the club’s history with several marquee signings arriving at Anfield.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without Edwards; one of his first tasks upon returning to Liverpool was appointing the former Portsmouth player as the club’s new sporting director.

Liverpool’s £125 million acquisition of Alexander Isak culminated in an approximate summer spend of £450m, with Florian Wirtz also joining the Reds for a fee exceeding £100m.

Edwards was instrumental to the success of Klopp’s era at Anfield prior to his departure in 2022, but the Reds’ head of football reportedly turned down an approach from Al-Hilal in May as he remains committed to overseeing FSG’s football operations.

Michael Edwards plans to expand his role beyond Liverpool

One of the driving reasons behind Edwards’ return was FSG’s plans to adopt a multi-club model, similar to that seen at City Football Group and Blue Co.

FSG withdrew from a deal for Bordeaux last year after several red flags emerged during the negotiations, but the plan to acquire another football club is proceeding as planned.

La Liga outfit Malaga is one of several names on the shortlist for FSG, and while the plans will have no impact on Edwards’ role at Anfield, he is determined to lead the multi-club model.

Indeed, Edwards’ reputation precedes him as he walked back into the Reds and didn’t miss a beat, his joint decision to appoint Slot leading to the club’s 20th league title – an extended deal at FSG is welcome news for all involved.