Michael Edwards, the Sporting Director at Liverpool FC, could very well pull off another huge deal as rumours link Liverpool player Xherdan Shaqiri to West Ham.
Modern day football has ceased to be a game played solely on the pitch. A club’s fortunes during the course of the season nowadays depends on how well they have prepared for it.
This includes new transfers signings that strengthen the squad and fit the manager’s vision and philosophy. Most of the clubs have a technical team that is responsible for being on the lookout for new signings.
Michael Edwards: the scouting legend of Anfield
Michael Edwards was promoted as Sporting Director of Liverpool in November 2016. Not surprisingly, his promotion along with Jurgen Klopp’s arrival saw a huge change in Liverpool’s fortunes.
A series of unbelievable signings and transfers has transformed Liverpool into one of the best performing clubs in the world.
For example, many fans questioned Liverpool’s decision to let Suarez and Coutinho leave for Barcelona.
However, for the fees Michael Edwards generated from these deals, Liverpool were able to sign players like Salah, Van Dijk and Alisson.
It is easy to see why Michael Edwards has secured a cult status among the faithful at Anfield.
They’ve underpromised and overdelivered.
Liverpool has reached the Champions League final for two successive years and while most credit goes to Klopp and his boys, the man not in the spotlight may actually be the man who made it all possible.
Edwards’ primary job is to support Klopp in player identification and recruitment.
Edwards is said to share a great rapport with both Klopp and the players which makes his job all the more easier.
Michael Edwards has made some signings during his tenure that has left rival clubs gritting their teeth with jealousy. Rumours suggest that he might pull off another massive deal.
Another Michael Edwards masterclass shaping up
Reports suggest that West Ham United are willing to meet the rumoured fee of 22.5 million pounds to sign Xherdan Shaqiri from Liverpool. As of late, the winger has fallen out of favour at Anfield and rarely starts the game in the first team.
Reportedly bought for £13.5 million from Stoke City, the 27-year-old Swiss winger has made numerous noteworthy plays in his first season at Liverpool.
While he is extremely talented, he has failed to start games this year. He has been often left as an unused substitute.
There’s a feeling that he doesn’t fit well into Klopp’s tactical strategies . However, Klopp insists that he is happy to have Shaqiri playing for the club.
Latest rumours suggest that he could he allowed to leave in the ongoing transfer window. Barring any late injuries, Xherdan is unlikely to start against Tottenham in the Champions League final on Saturday.
Liverpool seem to be well prepared for the upcoming season. Klopp and team may want to sign a quality forward to ease the burden on their star attacking trio.
They may also find a suitable partner for Van Dijk at the back. Whatever their plans maybe, the selling of Shaqiri means more money in the bank for Liverpool.
Their prospects of landing a quality player could be boosted manifold by this deal. Has Edwards pulled another magnificent trick from under his hat?