Liverpool could receive transfer windfall worth millions thanks to Michael Edwards masterstroke

Liverpool could be set to receive a major transfer windfall - as a result of a decision made by the club's former sporting director Michael Edwards.

Edwards worked in various roles at Anfield after being brought to the club in 2011, and became the club's first sporting director in November 2016.

He played a key role in negotiating transfers, both incoming and outgoing, and enjoyed a strong relationship with manager Jurgen Klopp.

Edwards left the club in the summer of 2022, with Liverpool's transfer strategy appearing to be more disjointed since his departure.

While he was at Anfield, Edwards was involved in deals to bring Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Fabinho, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker to the club, with all five becoming significant players in the team that won the Champions League and Premier League titles in consecutive years.

Now, even after his exit, the Reds could profit from his work at the club.

Liverpool could earn transfer windfall due to Michael Edwards

One area that Edwards excelled in was selling young Liverpool prospects for substantial fees, with not all of those going on to be a success elsewhere.

Jordon Ibe and Rhian Brewster were sold for combined fees of £40 million, and negotiated the £10 million sale of goalkeeper Danny Ward to Leicester.

One decision that also looks set to pay off is the sanctioning of Dominic Solanke's transfer to Bournemouth for an initial fee of £19 million.

While Solanke was not a first team regular at Anfield, and took time to hit top form at Bournemouth, he smashed in 29 goals in the Championship in the 2021/22 campaign.

He continued that form into last season, netting six goals in 33 appearances.

He scored a late equaliser for the Cherries in their 1-1 draw against West Ham on the opening weekend of the current Premier League campaign. Reports claim that the Hammers are interested in signing Solanke as they look for a replacement for Gianluca Scamacca.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Bournemouth have activated most of the add-ons involved in the original deal to take Solanke to Dean Court, up to around £24 million, but two clauses still remain.

It is claimed that one of these is a 20 per cent profit sell-on clause, which could see Liverpool recoup millions of pounds should a move to West Ham go through.

Football Insider reported on Monday that the Hammers have submitted a formal offer of around £35-40 million for Solanke - meaning Liverpool could net up to £5 million as a result.