Michael Edwards has sealed a return to Liverpool as football operations overseer.
Edwards is set to take up a fresh position within the Anfield hierarchy just two years after leaving his post as sporting director following a 10-year spell with the club.
The 44-year-old recently met with Fenway Sports Group in Boston to discuss his potential return to the Reds as they prepare for the post-Jurgen Klopp era.
He previously spurned the Americans’ initial overtures to retake his former role as sporting director, a still vacant position which he will be tasked with appointing.
“I am very grateful to Mike, John, Tom and the ownership group for offering me the opportunity to take on this new leadership role within FSG,” said Edwards.
“I was humbled by the desire and persistence they showed in wanting to work with me again.
“This is definitely not something that I take for granted given their track record across sport and business.
“It was vital for me that, if I did return, it had to be with renewed vigour and energy. In practice, this means having fresh challenges and opportunities.
“As such, one of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club, growing this area of their organization.
“I believe that to remain competitive, investment and expansion of the current football portfolio is necessary.
“With Liverpool, I will oversee the required reinforcement of football operations, with a number of essential leadership positions needing urgent attention.
“I know from personal experience what a wonderful job Mike Gordon has done with day-to-day oversight on behalf of his fellow owners.
“Going forward I’m looking forward to working with FSG’s Board of Managers. Also, in assuming this role,
“I fully understand that it comes with great expectations, and I therefore intend to identify, hire, and subsequently empower leaders who meet and embody the club’s values and ambitions.
“Having served the club previously I need no reminder of how much emotional investment is made by supporters in the city itself, as well as across the UK and the world.
“I am looking forward to getting started.”
Edwards’ new title as FSG’s CEO of football will have a wider remit across the club’s structure which includes the appointment of Jorg Schmadtke’s replacement.
Richard Hughes, Bournemouth’s outgoing technical director, is favourite to become new sporting director and has prior links dating back to their time at Portsmouth.
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso remains an early favourite to succeed Klopp after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to the cusp of their first-ever Bundesliga title.