Liverpool leadership crisis as Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes set for Saudi Arabia roles

Liverpool radically overhauled their leadership structure in the wake of Jurgen Klopp’s departure in 2024.

The German - very much a manager rather than a head coach - was replaced on the sidelines by Arne Slot. Into the sporting director role came Richard Hughes while Michael Edwards also returned to the fold as FSG’s new Head of Football.

All three signed contracts until 2027 - now of course just a year away.

But doubts currently surround all three men in Liverpool’s leadership positions - with Slot set to have his job reviewed at the end of the season. Just who might conduct that review remains to be seen as storm clouds gather over Hughes and Edwards.

Hughes is on the hook for £450m worth of signings made last summer - precious few of which have worked out. He also gave Mohamed Salah a two-year contract extension on £400k per week - a deal that will be torn up at the end of the season.

And now there is uncertainty growing over Edwards too.

Saudi roles for Edwards and Hughes

A huge part of his return to the FSG fold was the Boston-based group’s stated intention of establishing a multi-club ownership model with Liverpool at the centre.

However having looked at several clubs across the European football landscape those plans have now been iced. That decision plunges Edwards’ future into doubt and he is now being targetted for a role in the Saudi Pro League.

That’s according to a report in the Independent - which claims that Richard Hughes could also be set for a move to the kingdom.

“The Saudi Pro League are targeting both Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes from Liverpool this summer, in what could deepen a summer of upheaval at Anfield,” the report reads.

“The team's inconsistent form and questions over lopsided recruitment have created noise over the football leadership as much as the coach, with numerous sources believing there will be change regardless of what happens.”

Liverpool's leadership crisis

There is a real danger of a leadership vacuum opening up at Anfield - at a very critical juncture.

“The Saudi Pro League are willing to offer him an opportunity,” the report says of Edwards.

“He is viewed as potentially working in a wider overseeing role for the competition, or perhaps an individual club. Hughes is meanwhile known to be seen as an ideal candidate for Al Hilal's recruitment roles.”

Not only are there new contracts to be negotiated for key players there may also be a need for a new coach and sporting director too.

The Premier League champions are therefore heading for some very choppy waters amid a season of upheaval.

FSG - and the club’s fans - will be hoping that there will be no implosion come the season’s end. But if Edwards, Hughes and perhaps Slot all head for the exit then the ownership group will need new skilled individuals to come in and pick up the pieces.

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