Florian Wirtz Move Shows Edwards Is Back in Full Control at Liverpool | OneFootball

Michael Edwards and Liverpool’s New Transfer Powerplay

Liverpool’s recent momentum in the transfer market tells a story of resurgence, clarity and ambition. In a piece originally published by Liverpool World, the club’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz is not just about acquiring talent, but reaffirming Liverpool’s place as a European superpower – led once again by the returning architect of success, Michael Edwards.

Edwards Returns to Rewrite the Script

When Michael Edwards walked away from Liverpool in 2022, it was more than just a reshuffling behind the scenes. For many supporters, it felt like losing the brains behind the brilliance. As Liverpool World reports, “It felt like a hammer blow when Edwards departed his role in 2022. Liverpool lost the shrewdest of operators.”

The impact was tangible. Julian Ward stepped in briefly, then came Jorg Schmadtke, whose short stint underlined the club’s loss of strategic identity. So when Jurgen Klopp confirmed his own departure in January 2024, Liverpool felt as though it was entering a period of great uncertainty.

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But Edwards’ return – just two months later – altered the mood. “Having rejected jobs at Chelsea and Manchester United, his appetite was whetted by being offered a fresh challenge,” Liverpool World notes. Fenway Sports Group didn’t just bring him back, they gave him more power, naming him CEO of Football. It was a bold, necessary move.

Building a New-Look Liverpool

Under Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes, Liverpool have not only reclaimed the Premier League title but also begun reassembling a long-term vision. With Arne Slot chosen as Klopp’s successor, many initially questioned the direction. “It seemed somewhat of a risk given Slot was scarcely known in these parts,” the article admits, but the Dutchman has so far thrived under a structure that prioritises data and long-term planning.

There has been minimal player turnover, with only Federico Chiesa joining the squad last summer. But the impact of smart decisions and cohesive planning has been profound.

Wirtz Chase Signals Major Ambition

Now, with the Premier League trophy back at Anfield, the club’s ambitions have shifted to a new target: Florian Wirtz. As Liverpool World details, “Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Florian Wirtz and Michael Edwards is said to have been tracking the playmaker for some time.”

Initially, this pursuit seemed fanciful. Manchester City and Bayern Munich were viewed as favourites, and the suggestion that Liverpool could outbid them felt optimistic. But those doubts have been dismissed. City have reportedly baulked at Bayer Leverkusen’s £126 million valuation, while Bayern have seemingly admitted defeat.

Instead, it is Liverpool who lead the race. “Wirtz has been attracted by the plan that Slot has him at Anfield. And it could be the fact that Edwards has reportedly been tracking Wirtz for five years that left him flattered.”

This is no smash-and-grab. The groundwork has been meticulously laid. According to BILD, Edwards contacted Wirtz’s family when the player was still at FC Köln, and maintained that relationship after his move to Leverkusen. Since returning to FSG, Edwards has accelerated those efforts, even involving German-speaking staff to bridge any cultural and communication gaps.

Slot’s vision, paired with Edwards’ longstanding admiration, has formed a compelling pitch. “There might not be a better operator in football when it comes to recruitment,” the article states. Liverpool now seem like a club with clarity of purpose once again.

Strategic Shift After Years of Uncertainty

From persuading Klopp to sign Mohamed Salah instead of Julian Brandt in 2017, to engineering deals for Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz, Edwards’ track record is impeccable. His recruitment defined an era. Now, with new structures in place and a forward-thinking manager in Slot, Liverpool’s next phase already looks promising.

There will always be doubts with big-money moves. But Edwards doesn’t operate on impulse. This pursuit of Wirtz isn’t just headline fodder – it’s a calculated step in reshaping Liverpool into a modern, adaptive powerhouse once more.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Excited Liverpool fan reaction

There’s no denying the buzz among the Liverpool faithful after hearing the latest on Florian Wirtz. This isn’t just another hyped rumour or a speculative link – it’s the culmination of a five-year effort from the man who knows how to build title-winning teams. Michael Edwards tracking Wirtz since his teenage years screams of a club that has rediscovered its long-term planning and recruitment identity.

What’s most exciting is that this doesn’t feel like a throwback. It’s evolution. Under Klopp, Liverpool were built on pressing, power and purpose. Under Slot, it feels like the Reds are heading into a more technical and possession-focused style – and Wirtz fits that bill perfectly.

The rejection of Chelsea and United by Edwards only makes it sweeter. He’s come back to finish what he started. And with the club champions of England again, the thought of adding someone like Wirtz – at the peak of his creativity – is pure excitement.

There are still areas to strengthen, no doubt. But this move feels like a statement that Liverpool are ready to dominate another era. If Edwards pulls this off, he’ll be the architect behind yet another golden chapter.