Michael Edwards has agreed to return to Liverpool in order to oversee the post-Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield and his first coup has already been agreed. The former Sporting Director oversaw Liverpool’s transfer business from 2016 to 2022 and he was responsible for some big decisions in that time.
It was Edwards who reportedly pushed for the signing of Mohamed Salah in 2017 and he also played a key role in luring the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker to the club. With Klopp set to leave at the end of the season, a lot of uncertainty currently surrounds Liverpool. However, with Edwards back in charge of football operations, the Reds will be in safe hands. We’ve taken a closer look at Edwards and have evaluated the first five transactions that he may make upon his return to the club.
Richard Hughes
With Edwards taking on a senior football operations role, his first priority will be to confirm the recruitment of a new sporting director, and it appears that he has already found his man.
According to Fabrizio Romano, a contract for Bournemouth technical director Hughes has already been agreed upon.
The Cherries stated earlier this month that Hughes would be departing the club at the end of the season, and Liverpool jumped at the opportunity.
Hughes is well-regarded in the football world, having been responsible for some of Bournemouth‘s top buys over the last decade.
During his stay at Vitality Stadium, He managed agreements including Callum Wilson, Dominic Solanke, and Nathan Ake.
With Edwards returning to the club and Hughes joining the squad, Liverpool should be in good hands as they enter the post-Klopp era.
Xabi Alonso
Perhaps the most difficult issue that Edwards will confront is picking who will succeed Klopp. It’s no secret that Alonso is the club’s top pick, but the Reds face stiff competition from Bayern Munich for his services.
Alonso’s managerial reputation has soared in the last year, and he is now arguably the most sought-after manager in international football.
It’s no surprise that Bayer Leverkusen is on track to win the Bundesliga and still has a chance of winning the DFB-Pokal and Europa League.
According to TEAMtalk sources, Alonso prefers to join Liverpool over Bayern Munich and has a three-year contract offer on the table. While alternative options will be considered, it’s clear that Alonso is the club’s number one target to replace Klopp this summer. Mohamed Salah‘s future is a pressing issue for Edwards. The 31-year-old is out.
The Reds turned down a huge £150 million offer from Al-Ittihad in the summer, but they may see the forthcoming window as a great opportunity to cash in on the 31-year-old.
It is up to Edwards and his staff to assess Salah‘s market value and decide whether to move him this summer. Alternatively, the team could look to sign him to a new contract.
Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Salah is one of the best players in the world, and Liverpool would struggle to replace him right away.
The 31-year-old is Liverpool‘s leading scorer this season with 19 goals, despite missing much of the season due to injury. Whether he stays or leaves, Edwards will undoubtedly have a huge on his future.
Mark Guehi
Liverpool’s objective this summer is to sign another centre defender to compete with Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
With Joel Matip’s contract set to expire at the conclusion of the season, the club is presently looking for a long-term replacement, and Guehi is a name that has been linked with the Reds.
Earlier this month, TEAMtalk sources claimed that Liverpool had made contact with Guehi’s advisors in preparation for a prospective deal.
The Crystal Palace defender is under contract at Selhurst Park until 2026, and rumours suggest that the club is looking for at least £50 million for the England international.
Liverpool isn’t the only club interested in Guehi; Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham have all been keeping an eye on the 23-year-old.
There’s little doubt that Guehi would improve Liverpool‘s defensive options, but the club has many other targets in mind if they are unable to lure him away from Selhurst Park.
Florian Wirtz
This would be an audacious move by Liverpool, and it would most likely rely on whether they could secure Alonso as their next manager. Wirtz is currently connected with some of Europe’s top clubs, including the Reds.
The dynamic offensive midfielder has had a fantastic season at Bayer Leverkusen, contributing an astonishing 24 goals across all competitions.
TEAMtalk sources stated in November last year that Leverkusen would only consider selling Wirtz for €100 million (£85.5 million), which is a steep price.
Although, given his current skill set and clear potential, a number of clubs will undoubtedly be tempted to make an offer for the 20-year-old this summer.
While Liverpool and other clubs are interested in signing the talented midfielder, luring him away from Germany will be difficult.
Wirtz’s representative and father, Hans-Joachim Wirtz, recently spoke about the 20-year-old and why he seemed willing to stay with Leverkusen for the time being.
“Florian has a contract in Leverkusen until 2027,” he informed the Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger. “That is roughly how long he will stay with Leverkusen. There is no telling what will happen when.
We should wait two years and see what occurs.
“Florian is extremely fortunate to have Xabi Alonso, who adds a variety of talents. He has a wonderful rapport with the entire crew. It’s the perfect coach for the right time.”
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