Michael Edwards may steer Liverpool away from Xabi Alonso appointment

Amid strong rumours linking Xabi Alonso to succeed Jurgen Klopp following the latter's announcement of his departure in January, the anticipated transition may not materialise. 

This uncertainty arises following the return of former sporting director Michael Edwards to a prominent role at Anfield. Edwards was appointed as FSG's CEO of football earlier this month by Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG). 

This strategic move positions him in a broader capacity within the club, extending his responsibilities to include overseeing FSG's acquisition of another football team.

During his previous tenure as sporting director from 2016 to 2022, Edwards wielded substantial influence in Liverpool's transfer dealings, orchestrating key signings such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson Becker. A recent report hints at Edwards potentially exerting a similar impact in the search for Liverpool's next manager.

According to ESPN's Mark Ogden, Edwards' extensive network within the football world might lead to an unexpected managerial appointment. 

"I've been told that he's one of the most connected people in the game. He knows the players that are coming through, the coaches that are coming through. He can pick up a call to this guy, to that guy," said Ogden.

"He knows six months before everybody else who the players are and who the coaches are. Which is why I think that he'll pull a rabbit out of the hat with the next coach and it will be a surprise, it won't be Xabi Alonso.

"We'll wait and see, but I think Edwards is very key to this in the sense that he is the guy who Liverpool have brought back because they know he's good. They know he's the best in the world at what he does."