Report: Al-Hilal Approach Michael Edwards Over Senior Football Role | OneFootball

Michael Edwards Targeted by Al-Hilal – Blueprint Builder in Demand

Saudi Ambitions Meet Anfield Expertise

Al-Hilal’s interest in Michael Edwards is a telling reflection of modern football’s evolving power dynamics. According to Ben Jacobs from GiveMeSport, the Saudi club are keen to lure FSG’s CEO of Football into a new senior role, hoping his proven track record at Liverpool can help architect their own sporting revolution. Despite Edwards’ recent appointment in his current role, Al-Hilal appear undeterred, pursuing him with intent as they seek to reshape their sporting department from the top down.

FSG Stability vs Future Temptations

While Edwards “is happy as FSG’s CEO of Football”, GMS also reports that he has “shown a desire to engage and discuss with president Fahad bin Nafel a potential role for the future”. That duality hints at an openness to listen, rather than a desire to leave. His track record as Liverpool’s sporting director and now strategist for a multi-club model gives him undeniable appeal for a club like Al-Hilal, looking to emulate Liverpool’s intelligent framework.

Vision Beyond the Dugout

Crucially, Edwards “is not actively looking to leave FSG this summer, nor does he want to go elsewhere as a sporting director”. Yet his interest lies in clubs “wishing to overhaul their sporting department, or where he is given freedom to build an executive team”. That distinction is vital. Edwards doesn’t chase titles – he chases structure. He’s not a short-term fixer but a long-term planner, and Al-Hilal’s pursuit of “a best-in-class sporting structure” aligns with his philosophy.

Architect of Transformation

The Saudi club want Edwards “to come in as their most senior football figure” and lead the charge alongside CEO Esteve Calzada. With no clear indication from Edwards that he wants to move on, this could remain just conversation. But the respect shown by Al-Hilal – and others who “view FSG and Liverpool’s success as a strong blueprint” – cements Edwards’ standing in world football. As the man who has “become the architect of overseeing successful transitions and building foundations”, his next move will be watched with real interest.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

While admiration for Michael Edwards is justified, the timing of this interest from Al-Hilal raises eyebrows. He’s only just returned to the FSG fold and already he’s being linked to an exit. That’s unsettling for Liverpool fans who saw his return as a cornerstone for long-term stability.

There’s clear logic behind Al-Hilal’s ambition. “Liverpool’s success as a strong blueprint to follow” is no exaggeration – Edwards, after all, helped sculpt one of the smartest recruitment systems in football. But Liverpool aren’t just any club. They’re entering a new era under Arne Slot, and Edwards’ steady hand is pivotal in supporting Richard Hughes and expanding the multi-club model with potential acquisitions like Málaga.

The fact that “he is not actively looking to leave” is reassuring, but the suggestion that he “does see appeal” in other projects isn’t comforting. FSG must ensure Edwards feels fully empowered in his current role – or risk a second exit that would sting more than the first.

From the stands at Anfield to Twitter timelines across the globe, fans will be hoping this is just respectful interest and not the start of another power vacuum. One thing’s for sure – if Edwards walks away now, it leaves serious questions about FSG’s strategic grip.