Michael Edwards returns to Liverpool, navigating key transfers and contract talks for Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold.

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When Michael Edwards stepped back into the spotlight as the CEO of Football for Fenway Sports Group (FSG), his new role was not easy.

There was no “settling in” period, just straight into the fire. Welcome back to Liverpool, Michael!

If anyone thought Edwards’ return would involve sipping coffee and watching the team glide to victory, think again.

He has been juggling Klopp’s potential successors, navigating a tricky transfer window, and dealing with the upcoming contract negotiations for Liverpool’s biggest stars.

Remember his first significant move: appointing Richard Hughes as Sporting Director.

First Up: Hughes Takes the Reins—Smooth Sailing or Rough Waters?

Michael Edwards did not exactly get a quiet re-entry.

Among his first tasks was selecting a successor to Julian Ward, Liverpool’s previous Sporting Director.

Enter Richard Hughes, hand-picked by Edwards to take the reins of Liverpool’s transfer strategy.

You would be mistaken if you thought Hughes casually strolled in with an iced latte.

He was thrown into a pool of transfer negotiations while wearing ankle weights.

When Liverpool fans heard Hughes was the new guy in charge of transfers, some were excited, some were skeptical, and others just crossed their fingers and hoped for the best.

Moreover, boy, was he tested early.

You see, Liverpool had its eyes on one Martin Zubimendi.

He was their top midfield target, crown jewel, and must-have player.

However, just as things started to look promising, Zubimendi decided Liverpool was not for him and opted to stay with Real Sociedad. Ouch. That had to sting.

However, did Hughes crumble under the pressure?

Did he panic and throw money at random players?

Nope. Instead, he chose to stick to his guns, opting for value deals that Liverpool fans did not reasonably expect—enter Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Although they were not precisely the blockbuster signings many hoped for, they were intelligent, opportunistic buys that brought real value to the squad.

Why Critics Are Raising Eyebrows

Of course, only some were sold on Hughes.

Critics quickly jumped on the “I told you so” bandwagon after the Zubimendi deal fell through.

Some even argued that Hughes’ transfer strategy seemed too cautious, especially in the crucial window for Liverpool.

Was midfield the right area to focus on?

Should Liverpool have addressed other parts of the squad?

These were the questions swirling around Anfield.

However, if there is one thing Hughes’ industry peers agree on, it is this: the guy knows what he is doing.

David Ornstein, the respected journalist from The Athletic, said that Hughes is winning over the football world one deal at a time.

According to Ornstein, “people who move in the same world” as Hughes are praising him for handling the pressure cooker that is Liverpool Football Club.

What is Next for Edwards and Hughes? No Time to Relax

If you thought Michael Edwards’ return was about transfers, think again.

The elephant in the room is the contract situation between Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk.

No big deal, right?

Just three of Liverpool’s most important players, with contracts winding down and the potential to negotiate with foreign clubs come January.

Pressure? What pressure?

Edwards has entrusted Hughes with handling these delicate negotiations; fans are watching closely.

Will Liverpool manage to secure their critical players for the long haul, or could we see Salah, Van Dijk, or even Trent packing their bags next summer?

Zubimendi Fiasco: A Bump in the Road, Not a Dead End

Okay, let us be honest: missing out on Zubimendi could have been better.

Liverpool fans were looking forward to having him bolster the midfield, and his snub left some wondering whether Hughes had dropped the ball.

However, here is the thing—Hughes made a conscious decision not to go for a Plan B.

Instead of rushing into panic buys, he opted to stay measured, waiting for the right opportunity rather than making a knee-jerk reaction.

It is a move that has earned him respect from those in the know, but fans are still waiting to see if this long-term strategy will pay off.

For now, it looks like Liverpool is focusing on making steady, calculated improvements rather than spending money on big names.

And honestly? That is not a bad thing.

The Big Test: Contract Talks on the Horizon

Let us talk about the real ticking time bomb: contract renewals.

Salah, Van Dijk, and Trent are approaching the end of their current deals, and in January, they could start negotiating with foreign clubs for a free transfer next summer. Yikes.

This is where the rubber meets the road for Hughes and Edwards.

The ultimate litmus test will be their ability to lock down these key players.

Liverpool fans are holding their breath, knowing full well that losing even one of these stars could throw the club’s future into turmoil.

However, there is hope.

Hughes’s taking his time to settle in and avoid rash decisions might be to his advantage.

Instead of acting impulsively, he has been building relationships, establishing trust, and laying the groundwork for what could be Liverpool’s most important set of negotiations in recent history.

Liverpool’s Future: A Story Still Being Written

As Hughes gets more comfortable in his role and Edwards continues to steer the ship, one thing is sure: Liverpool is at a crossroads.

The next few months will be crucial in determining whether the club can keep its core intact and build on the progress made in recent years.

Will Hughes and Edwards emerge as the dynamic duo Liverpool fans hope they will be?

Or will the pressure prove too much for even the most seasoned football executives? Only time will tell.

Final Thoughts: Patience is a Virtue

While fans might be itching for instant results, it is essential to remember that rebuilding a squad and securing long-term success takes time.

Hughes and Edwards are playing the long game, and although there have been some bumps in the road, their steady, thoughtful approach could be exactly what Liverpool needs right now.

Ultimately, it is about keeping calm, staying focused, and ensuring Liverpool is ready for whatever comes next.

Whether it is contract talks, transfers, or building a multi-club empire, one thing is sure: Edwards and Hughes are just getting started.

Buckle up, Liverpool fans—it will be a wild ride.