Michael Edwards' final plan falls flat after "selfish" Salah transfer proposal

Michael Edwards announced last year that he would be standing down as Liverpool's sporting director at the end of the campaign.

Edwards, 42, has been an important figure in the Reds returning to the summit of English football, aiding Jurgen Klopp in signing the likes of Mohamed Salah, Allison and Virgil van Dijk.

But Edwards has received the most praise for the behind-the-scenes deals he's struck, snapping up Takumi Minamino for the measly price of his £7.25million release clause and preventing Barcelona from signing Liverpool players for two years after selling Philippe Coutinho for a hugely inflated £142million being two good examples.

Edward's exit will bring an end to his 10-year spell at Anfield, where he held a number of positions, including head of performance analysis, after being brought to the club by former director of football Damien Comolli.

His replacement will be his current assistant, Julian Ward.

In an open letter to Liverpool supporters, Edward explained his reasons for moving on

"Ten years, that's a pretty long time in anyone's working life," he wrote. "In football terms, it is an era in itself, particularly at a club like Liverpool where the expectations and standards are never anything other than as high as the supporters deserve.

"To be part of this club during this period has been a privilege due to the people I have been fortunate enough to work with and the success we have enjoyed. But all good things must come to an end and, in my case, I recently completed my final summer window as Liverpool sporting director.

"Even writing those words seems a bit surreal, but at the end of this season, I will pack up my laptop and leave my office at the AXA Training Centre for the last time. Before I do so, though, I wanted to take this opportunity to explain the reasons why I'm moving on because I'm a great believer that supporters deserve clarity at times like this.

"The last thing I want is unfounded speculation, particularly as I know the Liverpool Football Club that I am leaving behind couldn't be in better hands.

"I had always planned to cap my time at the club to a maximum of 10 years. I've loved working here, but I am a big believer in change. I think it's good for the individual and, in a work setting, good for the employer too.

"Over my time here we have changed so many things (hopefully for the better) but someone new brings a different perspective, new ideas and can hopefully build on (or change) the things that have been put in place beforehand.

"That's how I believe businesses/football clubs stay ahead; you need to evolve and at the heart of this kind of process is always people. That evolution has always been central to Liverpool's history and I hope that this is one thing that doesn't change."

This January transfer window will be Edwards' final time to shine for the Reds, should they decide to dip into the transfer market.

Liverpool are not in dire need of strengthening any one position, but up front is an area that needs to be looked at over the coming seasons given Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Salah's ages and the fact the latter is out of contract in 2023.

Salah has been in talks with Liverpool over a new deal, but nothing has yet been signed as the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain keep an eye on things.

Jurgen Klopp is remaining calm over the situation, but Salah has been getting advice from all areas on his future, including from his good friend Didier Drogba, who said his selfish decision for the Egyptian would be him leaving Liverpool for Chelsea.

"If I am selfish, I will tell Salah to leave Liverpool and return to Chelsea," Drogba told Al-Axis TV. "My opinion is that Salah will remain the best, no matter if he continues at Liverpool or if he moves.

"Any other team would perform better [with him] because he understands what he is doing, is good at scoring and creating goals, and only needs the confidence of the coach.

"I do not know what his decision would be. This is his decision alone and his future, but wherever he goes, I will be one of his fans."

Whatever happens with Salah and Liverpool remains to be seen, But Klopp will be keen for the Egyptian to stay as it seems Edwards' final transfer plan has fallen a little flat.

Liverpool were strongly linked with a move for Red Bull Salzburg superstar Karim Adeyemi, who would be a perfect long-term Salah replacement in a number of ways, but the deal appears to have dissolved.

According to Sky Deutschland, Borussia Dortmund are '90 to 95 per cent' likely to snap up the German and there is a chance the transfer could take place as soon as January.

Edwards does have a Plan B, with West Ham's Jarrod Bowen linked with a surprise move.

But it is likely the transfer guru will be disappointed at not being able to snap up his first-choice target in the position.