Liverpool’s 5 best transfers under Michael Edwards

Last Updated on 21 November 2025

When Liverpool fans talk about the club’s modern resurgence, one name is spoken with almost mythic reverence: Michael Edwards.

The quiet, analytical sporting director who preferred spreadsheets to spotlights. He built the backbone of Jurgen Klopp’s greatest teams, often by finding world-class talent at bargain prices or flipping squad players for outrageous profit.

Here are Liverpool’s five best transfers under Michael Edwards, the architect behind an era of Champions League glory and Premier League dominance.

5 – Andrew Robertson – £8m from Hull City

One of the greatest deals in Premier League history.

Hull City were relegated from the Premier League and Edwards pounced while many doubted the move. It came to a total of £8m but to make it crazier, as per BBC, Liverpool actually sold Kevin Stewart to Hull City for the same amount.

Despite a slow start to his Liverpool career, Robertson’s relentless energy, crossing quality, and connection with Sadio Mane and then Luis Diaz down the flank became a Liverpool trademark.

He’s still at the club as a vice-captain and still an integral part of Arne Slot’s squad. Bargain.

4 – Sadio Mane – £34m from Southampton

The transfer that changed everything. No joke, Liverpool don’t build a dynasty with Sadio Mane.

He was the first true building block of Klopp’s era. A pressing machine, a match-winner, and the catalyst for Liverpool’s rise. His explosive debut at Arsenal set the tone, and for more than half a decade, he was the beating heart of Liverpool’s attack.

In fact, for many, he was Liverpool’s most impressive attacker during their 2019/20 Premier League win.

3 – Alisson Becker – £66.8m from Roma

If Sadio Mane was the first brick of Michael Edwards’ rebuild, Alisson Becker was probably the final one.

After years of goalkeeping instability, Edwards sanctioned a then world-record fee for a goalkeeper, and it proved worth every penny.

Don’t forget, Liverpool signed Alisson in the summer right after losing the Champions League final to Real Madrid due to two massive blunders from Loris Karius.

Alisson brought calm, command, and miracle saves. Barcelona, Napoli, Wolves, you name it. And his iconic header vs West Brom only added to the legend, but it was his consistency that turned Liverpool into title winners.

2 – Virgil van Dijk – £75m from Southampton

A transfer saga, a world-record fee, and plenty of skepticism but Edwards knew exactly what he was buying.

Van Dijk didn’t just improve Liverpool’s defence; he transformed it overnight. Runner-up for the Ballon d’Or, Champions League winner, two-time Premier League champion, and the defensive anchor of Klopp’s greatest side.

For many, the Dutchman is regarded as the greatest defender in the history of the sport and remains one of the most impactful signings in the history of the Premier League.

1 – Mohamed Salah – £36.9m from Roma

A signing mocked by rivals as a “Chelsea reject” became Liverpool’s most lethal forward of the Premier League era.

Salah didn’t just improve. He exploded.

32 league goals in his debut season, three Golden Boots, a Champions League final brace, and countless records shattered.

Nearly a decade on and Mo Salah is closing in 200 Premier League goals, all for a bargain deal of under £40m. It remains Michael Edwards’ best purchase.