Last week, Liverpool FC announced that ticket prices for next season would be increased by 2%, news which led to outcry from numerous Reds supporters.

Despite a subsequent meeting with the club’s Supporters Board, the decision was made not to reverse that planned price rise.

Although the rate of increase is lesser than other Premier League clubs who’ve taken similar action – Tottenham announced a 6% raise to season ticket prices for the 2024/25 campaign – the move by LFC has nonetheless left a sour taste at a rather inopportune time.

Liverpool fan group Spion Kop 1906 took a stand against the club’s plans to raise ticket prices by refusing to display flags on the Kop for last week’s Europa League quarter-final clash at home to Atalanta.

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Although the atmosphere at Anfield was strangely subdued that night, the subsequent 0-3 defeat was still a shock to the system, and attempts by some social media users to pin that result on the supporters were frankly ridiculous.

As Gareth Roberts – who represents The Spirit of Shankly and the Supporters’ Board – explained to BBC Radio Merseyside, the ticket price decision is reflective of a ‘worrying direction of travel’ across English football where the considerations of match-going fans are being neglected.

He rightly pointed out that Liverpool will benefit from greater income next season due to Anfield’s expanded capacity and the near-certain return to the Champions League, so the 2% increase in ticket prices shouldn’t have been necessary.

READ MORE: ‘The one worry…’ – Journalist cites big Liverpool doubt which could scupper Reds’ title hopes

The mood around the club was jovial as April began, with Jurgen Klopp’s side still in the hunt for two trophies to add to the Carabao Cup which was secured in February, but the Reds’ season has threatened to unravel over the past fortnight.

With the potential for something special to happen in the manager’s final few weeks on Merseyside, the board chose a terrible time to announce the ticket price increase, and the damage not just to the team’s fortunes but also the club’s reputation could be far more costly than any benefits from the 2% raise in matchday admission.

Anfield has so often been bouncing at this stage of the season when Liverpool are in the hunt for major trophies, but the atmosphere has been one of anger during the defeats to Atalanta and Crystal Palace, with those two results obviously not helping matters either.

FSG have had an unfortunate habit of taking decisions which badly misjudge the feeling among the majority of fans, and they’ve made a rod for their own backs once more with the announcement over ticket prices for 2024/25.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

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FSG are reportedly ‘close to appointing’ Pedro Marques ahead of a planned expansion of their football stable.

This update comes courtesy of the Echo’s chief Liverpool writer, Ian Doyle, on X.

FSG close to appointing Pedro Marques in a role in their new-look football structure. He’s currently technical director at Benfica. And is Portuguese https://t.co/YHFKgi7BM2

— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) April 2, 2024

The former Manchester City employee will likely be inserted into the structure of a new football outfit purchased by the American group.

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READ MORE: Xabi Alonso latest: What Bayern honcho is now saying about manager search

READ MORE: Next Liverpool manager: David Ornstein lifts lid on Xabi Alonso latest amid three-way tug of war

A mutually beneficial relationship only

We’ve seen the success stories (few as they are) and we’re unfortunately aware of the clubs’ fanbases disgruntled with being part of a multi-club ownership model.

With that in mind, it’s integral that any relationship Liverpool enter into with another side is mutually beneficial.

Open to some criticism as FSG may be, our owners have largely kept things running smoothly behind the scenes with top-class appointments.

At the very least, we can rest assured that any club that is set to fly under Fenway’s banner will be in very good hands with the overarching presences of Michael Edwards and, soon perhaps, Marques.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

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Liverpool can now work on finalising a move for Xabi Alonso after boxing off key appointments behind the scenes.

The Merseysiders reportedly engaged in talks with the Spanish head coach’s entourage in February, with a three-year deal put on the table.

“TEAMtalk exclusively revealed at the end of February that talks between Alonso’s camp and Liverpool had taken place. A three-year deal is understood to have been put forward,” Steve Pearson reported for TEAMtalk.

“But before any appointment could be finalised, Liverpool owners FSG needed to overhaul the club’s hierarchy.”

The Reds have since re-hired Michael Edwards in a new capacity and secured the services of Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes.

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READ MORE: Pep Lijnders next job: Liverpool insider confirms he’s ‘under consideration’ at top club

READ MORE: Sky Sports reporter now responds to Plettenberg’s Alonso to Bayern claims

What do Bayern Munich have that Liverpool don’t?

Beyond the prospect of dominant finances and being the largest club in the Bundesliga? Not a great deal more.

Putting those two factors aside – and not to totally downplay their significance – the project at Liverpool is comparatively more appealing.

We’ve got a notably young squad, a thriving Academy and a world-class recruitment structure in place.

Anything a budding coach could want to boost their chances of success in one of the globe’s biggest jobs will be present before the summer transfer window opens.

It’s Alonso’s call at the end of the day, but we’re pretty confident we’re the more attractive choice.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

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Having stated his intentions to add to FSG’s portfolio upon returning to Liverpool this month, Michael Edwards reportedly has his eyes set on one European club.

According to Football Insider, the Reds’ owners are exploring a deal to take over Ligue 1 outfit Toulouse, who we faced in the Europa League group stage during the autumn.

The two clubs already share some ties – Les Violets’ majority owners RedBird Capital hold an 11% stage in FSG, while their current president Damien Comolli was previously director of football strategy at Anfield, with Luis Suarez among the signings that he oversaw.

READ MORE: ‘Could be sold’ – Journalist claims Liverpool have made an offer for ‘ruthless’ £39m attacker

READ MORE: (Video) Caoimhin Kelleher casually sent £43m maestro on a wild goose chase during Ireland clash

Edwards’ plans to expand FSG’s football portfolio beyond Liverpool might have been met with disapproval from many Reds fans with reservations about multi-club ownership (MCO).

Other examples such as the City Football Group and the Red Bull stable have been met with criticism from the supporters of clubs who feel as if their identity is being stripped in order to serve one flagship team, namely Manchester City in the case of the former.

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We hope that, if FSG are wholly determined to go down the MCO path, they do so in the right manner and establish strong ties with other outfits from across Europe and beyond without necessarily turning them into mere ‘feeder’ sides for Liverpool.

Unfortunately, this controversial ownership model has become increasingly abundant in modern football. We’ve no issue with formalised partnerships being arranged, so long as a club with decades of tradition isn’t simply turned into an LFC Lite at the behest of the Boston-based businessmen.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

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FSG are understood have handed Michael Edwards the freedom to expand their sporting portfolio.

This will involve identifying and adding another football club to their stable. Indeed, the CEO of Football at Fenway has reportedly begun ‘laying the groundwork’ for a multi-club model.

Football Insider claim that the MLS has been touted as a potentially ideal destination, with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City’s owners having already set up shop.

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READ MORE: Jarell Quansah says there’s no one better than ‘special’ Liverpool teammate in his position

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano drops Liverpool transfer update as ‘two signings’ on the cards

A £16m opportunity for FSG

With minority investments above £16m welcomed, Fenway Sports Group could first dip their toes into the pool if desired.

Though one might imagine John W. Henry and Co. will be keen to take over football operations as soon as possible to begin the process of playing catchup to our rivals’ multi-club models.

We don’t expect – and this has been reflected in various reports – our owners to seriously pursue the City Football Group’s wide-ranging umbrella.

It shouldn’t be unreasonable for Liverpool to develop a relationship with another club that’s akin to Brighton & Hove Albion’s arrangement with Royal Union St. Gilloise.

At least to start off with!

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

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Manchester City’s multi-club ownership model may be a source of envy in England but FSG will not follow it to the letter with Liverpool.

That said, the Reds are thought to be keen to embark on their own pathway towards a multi-club model that will, one imagine, fit within their financial constraints.

“City’s approach is being imitated, but no one has shown a willingness to replicate its breadth and FSG, an organisation conscious of its financial limits, is not expected to try,” Philip Buckingham reported for The Athletic.

“Chelsea embarked on their multi-club mission last summer when buying Strasbourg and more are expected to join the BlueCo – the consortium that owns Chelsea – stable.

“Liverpool are yet to indicate how ambitious there plans for a multi-club model will be, but Edwards has returned believing expansion is a must.”

One of the key, long-term tasks entrusted to returning former sporting director Michael Edwards will be identifying and helping procure a club to add to FSG’s football stable.

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READ MORE: Michael Edwards arrival will inspire instant ‘shift in strategy’; could reap major rewards for Liverpool

READ MORE: Richard Hughes could have immediate say on 32-year-old Liverpool player’s future

Brazil? Europe? What club will Liverpool partner with?

Brazil was previously understood to be the site of some intrigue from decision-makers at Fenway.

However, the expectation now is that another European outfit would be of comparatively greater interest.

Not least of all to help Liverpool circumvent rules deriving from the UK’s exit from the European Union, with Brexit complicating the process of attaining work visas for overseas players.

The goal, ultimately, is not to rush the process in a desperate bid to catch up with the pack, so to speak. Rather, Liverpool must simply gain a foothold.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

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Liverpool look set to be playing catch-up with their rivals over a multi-club ownership model.

The arrival of Michael Edwards in a wider capacity, as CEO of Football at FSG, heralds a ‘clear shift in strategy’ for the Reds.

“A new era without Jurgen Klopp will now be crafted by Edwards, Liverpool’s former sporting director, and included in the plans are the ambitions to invest in a partner club,” Philip Buckingham reported for The Athletic.

“The multi-club ownership model is coming to Anfield, with Edwards believing Liverpool have little choice but to expand if they are to “remain competitive” in the Premier League and beyond.

It is a clear shift in strategy for Liverpool, a club that has so far gone it alone in contrast to many of their big rivals.”

Fenway are understood to have previously touted the idea of investment in South America, with the likes of Cruzeiro thought to have been of interest prior to Ronaldo Nazario’s takeover.

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READ MORE: Richard Hughes could have immediate say on 32-year-old Liverpool player’s future

READ MORE: Liverpool player’s ‘masterclass’ performance vs City was so good Phil Foden paid his respects

How could Liverpool stand to benefit

One immediate benefit would be enhancing the pathway from Academy to first-team setup.

We’ve already got a pretty streamlined process as things stand, with up-and-coming stars often training with the senior squad at Kirkby.

That said, an opportunity to hand greater minutes to starlets at another side playing ‘The Liverpool Way’ could fast-track the development of prospects at Anfield.

At the very least, we’d be growing the value of our young assets, even if their potential doesn’t eventually land them in the first-XI.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

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Michael Edwards’ return to Liverpool has been celebrated by many Reds fans, but one of the 44-year-old’s plans for the club has met with disapproval in some quarters.

The former sporting director is now back at Anfield in the new role of CEO of Football, and as per James Pearce for The Athletic, one of the biggest factors in enticing him to return is the intention to acquire new clubs to add to FSG’s ownership portfolio, which he’d also oversee in addition to his work at LFC.

Taking to X in response to a tweet from the journalist sharing that article, Bundesliga commentator and Liverpool supporter Kevin Hatchard voiced his opposition to the plans for Edwards to become involved in multi-club ownership (MCO).

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He posted: “I was really excited about Edwards coming back to #lfc until I read this. Multi-club ownership should be resisted at all opportunities, and as a fan I really don’t want Liverpool involved in it.”

A follow-up tweet read: “I still think Edwards’ return is exciting, but it’s amazing how many fans are already brainwashed by the idea that if you don’t subjugate other clubs, you’ll somehow be left behind. It’s nonsense. If your academy is strong and you use the loan system, you don’t need to do this.”

I still think Edwards’ return is exciting, but it’s amazing how many fans are already brainwashed by the idea that if you don’t subjugate other clubs, you’ll somehow be left behind. It’s nonsense. If your academy is strong and you use the loan system, you don’t need to do this. https://t.co/LtOXepork4

— Kevin Hatchard (@kevinhatchard) March 12, 2024

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MCO has been a growing trend throughout the world of football in modern times, with the City Football Group and the Red Bull network two standout examples.

The intentions behind this practice are to establish connections in various markets throughout the globe to provide easier access to emerging talent, and also to create relationships to facilitate loan moves.

However, in some instances there can be one distinct flagship club within a particular model (Manchester City being the obvious case in point), and supporters of the ‘feeder’ teams can understandably be offended by the notion that their side exists merely to serve a more heavily resourced partner.

MCO also carries the risk of a club being denied entry into European competition due to the presence of another from the same portfolio being involved in the same tournament, thus creating the potential for a conflict of interest.

Hatchard’s stance has been replicated by many Liverpool fans on social media, and justifiably so. As the commentator rightly points out, the Reds have an academy which is more than productive enough to avoid this unpopular practice, and we’ve managed to compete with the elite for a number of years without resorting to any multi-club arrangements.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

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Liverpool have undoubtedly continued to thrive without Michael Edwards in the sporting director role since 2022.

That’s not to suggest, of course, that the Reds would be better off without the former Portsmouth employee than with!

Certainly, his prior acquisitions of world-class players like Mo Salah, now worth an astonishing £150m, speaks for itself.

“You can be sure that there is nothing sentimental about Edwards’ return,” Chris Bascombe wrote for The Telegraph. “It is his ability to cast aside emotion and actually mean it when discussing ‘the long-term bigger picture’ that is at the core of how Liverpool rose to and intend to stay at the top, manifesting itself most spectacularly when signing players like Philippe Coutinho and Mohamed Salah for £8.5 million and £35 million with the utmost faith they will one day be valued at £142 million and £150 million, respectively.

The 44-year-old will be taking up an expanded role within the FSG framework. This will, Empire of the Kop understands, involve the Englishman potentially looking after a second club in addition to Liverpool.

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READ MORE: What Curtis Jones was spotted doing at Anfield during Man City draw

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What is Michael Edwards’ role at Liverpool?

With Richard Hughes potentially set to fill the gap vacated by Jorg Schmadtke, Edwards will be free to take on broader responsibilities as FSG’s CEO of Football.

According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, this will look like the following; “It is an appointment by FSG, rather than Liverpool, and one of Edwards’s tasks will be to identify and subsequently manage a second club to attract global talent.

“This is more likely to resemble Brighton & Hove Albion, whose owner Tony Bloom has a stake in Union Saint-Gilloise, than the City Football Club, which has numerous clubs around the globe under its umbrella, including La Liga side Girona.”

It’s hardly a secret that FSG is keen to broaden its portfolio in football. Indeed, they’re on the record as having expressed an interest in investing in Brazilian football.

Whether this is a direction Fenway will look to pursue once more remains to be seen, though there are clearly benefits in pursuing such a model.

With Edwards taking care of affairs here, you can rest assured that Liverpool, and FSG, will extract maximum value from any new relationship.

Could another Mo Salah be on the cards?

With FSG moving quickly to secure a world-class framework for the next Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp’s successor should be primed to thrive.

We’d certainly be far from surprised to see the club continue its tradition of landing smart signings with bags of potential for reasonable fees.

Could another Salah-type figure – at least in value, if not in position – be on the cards?

With this recruitment team, with the right sporting director, and with Edwards overseeing it all – why not?

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

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It’s been a landmark day for FSG as they have released a statement to confirm some major changes that will affect the hierarchy of our club.

In a statement on their own website, it was confirmed that: ‘Michael Edwards will be joining the organization in the role of CEO of Football, where the 44-year-old executive will assume a broad range of responsibilities including leading efforts to identify and recruit new leadership for Liverpool F.C.’s football operation, and supporting the growth of FSG in global football through additional investment and acquisition.’

To which Michael Edwards also added: “one of the biggest factors in my decision is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club, growing this area of their organization.”

READ MORE: Second ex-Liverpool manager loses job in as many months; Merseyside return imminent

Reading between the lines would suggest that securing the services of the 44-year-old meant that significantly increased responsibility would have to be offered to him, above that of a sporting director.

As the new CEO of football for Fenway Sports Group, the former Spurs and Portsmouth analyst will have responsibilities outside of Anfield and as part of a new multi-club operation.

In the short-term, this will mean that full attention will be given to finding the right sporting director for the Reds, which seems clear to be Richard Hughes – leading to a managerial change this summer.

READ MORE: (Video) Goldbridge: Liverpool ‘robbed’ against Man City; even United fans agree

After this, we may well see feeder clubs being used for the Reds with foreign teams helping to contribute to our player pool in the long-term future.

It seems to be a project that will enable Edwards to be part of the American’s plans for a long time, whilst also providing us with an opportunity to benefit from his expertise.

EOTK Insider: A tribute to Alex South; a remarkable man with a special Kop moment

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Liverpool fans were treated to some massive news on Tuesday morning when it was confirmed that Michael Edwards will be returning to Anfield.

FSG had been trying to persuade the Reds’ celebrated former sporting director to take up a role at the club as part of the new boardroom structure, and their efforts have now paid off.

The Times‘ Paul Joyce reported this morning that the 44-year-old has agreed to return in a ‘high-powered role in which he will head football operations’ on Merseyside, with Richard Hughes duly set to be appointed to the sporting director vacancy.

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The report outlined how, following his exit from Liverpool two years ago, Edwards turned down an approach from FSG in late January, having been contacted in light of Jurgen Klopp’s bombshell announcement that he’d be leaving at the end of the season.

However, Anfield chiefs were undeterred and decided to make a second and final plea to the Ludonautics consultant, who agreed to hold discussions with John W Henry and Mike Gordon in Boston over the past fortnight.

Those talks ultimately resulted in the 44-year-old accepting the latest offer to come back on board with LFC, this time with the remit of overseeing football operations rather than returning to his previous sporting director post.

READ MORE: (Video) Ian Wright names the one thing he’d ‘never’ do if he were Liverpool manager

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FSG’s success in luring Edwards back to Anfield is a testament to the age-old mantra that persistence pays off.

When the 44-year-old flatly rejected the owners’ initial approach a few weeks ago, it would’ve been easy for the Liverpool hierarchy to admit defeat and conclude that they’d only be squandering valuable time in trying to change his mind.

However, their determination to get him on board prompted one last roll of the dice, and we can now see that they were right to hold their nerve and try again, in the understanding that a second refusal would’ve then seen them abandon their pursuit.

It appears that the offer to Edwards of a more senior, overarching role – instead of merely begging him to jump back into his previous sporting director post – may have been the carrot to entice him to perform a volte-face and agree a return to Anfield.

Credit to FSG for not throwing the towel in after the 44-year-old initial rejection. Having him back in situ offers great hope of further prosperity at Liverpool even after Klopp leaves, especially if the other key appointments facing the club are made promptly and with due diligence.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

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Remarkably, we’ve entered a world where Michael Edwards might be back at Liverpool Football Club after Jurgen Klopp departs.

The former sporting director is understood to be in an ongoing conversation with FSG over a wider role.

This follows an apparent attempt by Fenway to stabilise the ship ahead of potentially rocky waters in the summer.

It would likewise indicate, as Dave Powell has noted on X, the Americans’ intentions to commit to Liverpool for the long-term.

What I do think the Edwards/Hughes stuff shows is the desire for FSG to be custodians of LFC for some time yet. The Twitter accounts that exist to dislike ownership more than support the team will be thrilled, I'm sure.

— Dave Powell (@_DavePowell) March 8, 2024

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READ MORE: Chief business writer’s thoughts on Edwards move might explain how FSG are convincing him

READ MORE: ‘Conversations are ongoing’: Romano says FSG could clinch second LFC agreement right after Edwards

Forget a sale

It wasn’t that long ago when FSG were seriously considering passing the club into another’s hands.

To go from that position to this one is quite the remarkable turnaround and one that could very much benefit the future running of the club.

Edwards back would undoubtedly grant some much-needed stability in a world governed by turmoil beyond Klopp’s exit.

If it means that John W. Henry and Co. remain custodians of the club for an even longer time – it’s not something we’re opposed to either.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

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Fabrizio Romano has reported that he ‘can also see’ Richard Hughes joining Liverpool’s new structure if Michael Edwards first returns to Anfield.

‘Conversations are ongoing’ between the club’s hierarchy and their former sporting director in what appears to be a potential u-turn from the latter.

“March is a crucial month as FSG want a final answer as soon as possible,” the CaughtOffside columnist shared in his exclusive Daily Briefing column.

“Conversations are ongoing and Liverpool are optimistic but it’s not done yet at this stage.

“In case Edwards accepts, I can also see Richard Hughes being part of the new Liverpool structure.”

The Englishman served the Merseysiders between 2011-2022 in a variety of capacities.

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A robust structure in the post-Klopp era

FSG may very well have achieved the “impossible”.

It had been accepted at the get-go that bringing Edwards back to L4 would be an extremely difficult task. The Ludonautics employee was understood to have very little interest in a return to frontline football.

It seems the promise of more oversight of Liverpool and, potentially, FSG’s operations, however, could change his tune.

The further possible arrival of Bournemouth technical director Hughes – an operator our former sporting director trusts – could be an additional boon.

Dare we say that the post-Klopp era is looking steadily less terrifying by the day!

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

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FSG have made it clear that Xabi Alonso is very much their chosen favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

The Spanish head coach is understood to also be highly coveted by executives in Munich ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s planned departure from Bayern.

“Xabi Alonso will never go against his group and the sphere he built,” Sacha Tavolieri told Redmen TV.

“But the fact is that he is the one – he has been chosen by FSG. He is the guy.

“Now the solution, and what Liverpool is currently doing, is trying to make the agreement so that Bayer Leverkusen let him out.

“It’s quite clear in his mind: Winning the Bundesliga, getting his group 100% focussed on winning the league, creating from ‘Neverkusen’ to Leverkusen, making the difference, the possibility of creating history in Bundesliga and then leaving.

“This is what will probably happen and this is what the current conjecture is going to prove or has according to my information and source.”

The former Reds midfielder has led Leverkusen to the top of the table and the knockout phase of the Europa League.

READ MORE: Rafa Benitez shares Xabi Alonso warning Liverpool should heed before managerial appointment

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Liverpool have been in talks for some time

Fenway have been well aware of Klopp’s intentions since November. Ergo, it stands to reason that our American owners have been putting in the groundwork with Alonso’s entourage.

It’s understood that the club will first look to square off the sporting director role before finalising any talks for a new manager.

That said, it’s hard to feel anything other than optimistic following Tavolieri’s latest update.

Exciting times for Liverpool Football Club ahead if we can secure the signature of one of the more promising managerial candidates out there.

Buckle up, Reds – we may be due for one hell of a ride this summer.

You can catch the full chat below, courtesy of Redmen TV’s YouTube channel:

� EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Klopp’s successor in the Portuguese league? FSG must learn from one summer transfer and much more!

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FSG seemingly haven’t given up hope in trying to lure Michael Edwards back to Liverpool two years on from his departure from Anfield.

However, as reported by The Telegraph‘s Chris Bascombe, the Reds’ former sporting director would demand to be given more control over football operations in L4 if he’s to return to the club, and he’s already turned down one recent attempt from the LFC hierarchy to come back on board.

As per an update on Wednesday from Fabrizio Romano, that seemingly hasn’t deterred FSG from considering one more attempt at enticing the 44-year-old back to Anfield.

The Telegraph’s report highlighted one factor which could work in Liverpool’s favour, namely that the parameters of the sporting director role would differ once Jurgen Klopp leaves in the summer.

Such was the German’s power at the club during Edwards’ time there that he’d often receive the owners’ backing when there was a difference of opinion regarding major contract decisions.

With the 56-year-old departing at the end of this season and one of the most influential voices at Anfield out of the picture, Jorg Schmadtke’s successor may be in a position to assume greater control thereafter.

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Whether that’d be enough for FSG to persuade Edwards to change his mind and return to Liverpool is unclear at this moment in time, with the 44-year-old as of yet showing no hints of a dramatic volte-face (Romano).

Journalist Rory Smyth suggested on social media this afternoon that the owners may even need to offer a ‘small stake’ in their business as a ‘starting point’ for trying to get the Reds’ former sporting director back in situ.

If FSG do genuinely want this to happen, then the starting point for the conversation would probably have to be offering him a stake – a small stake, obviously, but an actual stake – in FSG itself. https://t.co/3WH0Aov7M2

— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) February 28, 2024

That doesn’t seem overly likely to happen, and Edwards may still have no interest in returning to Anfield even with any promises of greater control once Klopp departs.

However, if any forthcoming attempt from FSG to entice him proves successful, Liverpool fans may be delighted to see the return of a man who brokered masterstroke signings such as Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah and Alisson Becker, while also negotiating handsome prices for the sales of fringe players like Dominic Solanke and Jordon Ibe.

Of course that doesn’t offer any guarantees that the 44-year-old would replicate such success if he does return to the club, but if he were to return, it’d somewhat mitigate the devastation of seeing an all-time great in Klopp leave in three months’ time.

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