Liverpool's Transfer Chiefs to Stay On for Summer Window

Key Liverpool decision-makers Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards are set to remain in their positions for the upcoming summer transfer window, despite earlier uncertainty surrounding their futures. Both are under contract until 2027 and are expected to play crucial roles in the club's summer plans, following a disappointing title defense and questions about manager Arne Slot's future. The club has faced criticism for its record-breaking £500m spend last summer, which has not yielded the desired results. However, it is understood that the club is satisfied with the work done by Hughes and Edwards. Their priorities will include finding a replacement for Mohamed Salah and getting the best out of big-money signings like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. Since the summer of 2024, Hughes and Edwards have overseen £459m in spending, with the majority of that coming last summer with the signings of Isak, Wirtz, and others. They have offset a significant portion of this expenditure by selling £290m-worth of talent. Speculation had surrounded Hughes' future due to interest from Al Hilal, while doubts about Edwards' position arose after FSG reportedly shelved plans for a multi-club model ownership group. Edwards had cited FSG's commitment to this model as a key factor in his decision to return to the club in 2024. The duo was responsible for hiring Slot, who led the team to a title in his first season. However, a significant change in transfer strategy last summer, which saw the club spend a record £446.5m, has not paid off, with the team now fighting for Champions League qualification.