Former Liverpool transfer chief Michael Edwards turns down Chelsea opportunity

Michael Edwards, former sporting director of Liverpool, has rejected the opportunity to join Chelsea, according to David Ornstein.

Edwards informed Chelsea of his intention to take some time away from football.

New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is working as a temporary sporting director. He is in charge until he can find the right person to hand over to.

He may have to keep the job for now with Edwards turning down the chance to join the London club.

Boehly has been pushing for Edwards on the recommendation of Chelsea board member and former executive editor of The Times, Daniel Finkelstein.

Finkelstein and Edwards have a long-standing relationship built on data and science.

Edwards first joined Liverpool in November 2011. He would become a key figure in the club’s recruitment, rising to the position of sporting director in 2015.

The 43-year-old helped construct the squad that has won the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup under Jurgen Klopp.

Edwards announced his decision to step away from his job at Anfield in November 2021. He rejected a new contract.

His work at Liverpool speaks for itself. The Reds have been smart and savvy in the transfer market under his leadership.

He has been responsible for great recruits like Andrew Robertson, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Joel Matip. Edwards also sanctioned big-money signings like Virgil Van Dijk and Alisson Becker.

Boehly is trying to recruit experienced football heads for Chelsea and has set his sights on Edwards. He may have to be patient to get his target.

The LA Dodgers co-owner would ideally like to have a new sporting director before the January transfer window opens.

Aside from Edwards, Boehly is also assessing other sporting director options. Paul Mitchell of AS Monaco and Andrea Berta of Atletico Madrid have been shortlisted for the role.