One of the architects of Liverpool's recent successes - Michael Edwards - is to leave the club at the end of the season.
The Merseyside giants confirmed news that had been strongly rumoured for months.
Liverpool's sporting director has been with the club for a decade, and helped build towards the Champions League success of 2019, and the following year's coronation as Premier League champions.
Assistant sporting director Julian Ward will assume Edwards' role in the summer.
Edwards joined Liverpool in 2011 - initially as head of analytics - before being promoted to director of technical performance and later technical director.
In 2016, he took on the role as sporting director.
Since then, Edwards has been lauded for his canny business in the transfer market - most notably for selling out-of-favour players for handsome sums.
In an open letter to Liverpool supporters, Edwards wrote: "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.
“I had always planned to cap my time at the club to a max 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 (or change) on the things that have been put in place beforehand.
“Julian [Ward] has been building up the skill set for this role for many years.
"Last year, he took on the role of assistant sporting director and over the past 12 months he has been introduced to other facets of the role that are vital to its success. I believe he is ideal for the role.
“Over the coming season I will continue to support him as we complete the leadership transition.”
Edwards has been rumoured to be leaving for a similar position with Bundesliga side, RB Leipzig. However, their chief executive Oliver Mitzlaff last week dismissed the speculation.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp sent his best wishes to Edwards, saying, "I wish Michael and his wonderful family all the best, for whatever they choose to do next.
“I know he isn’t leaving immediately or in haste, which is cool, so we still have some time to work together. If we are as fortunate and blessed, as we have been so far, maybe we can create more special memories for our club in this remaining time.
“He has been a constant presence during my period at LFC and his contribution to our success is clear for everyone to see.
“I have complete trust in Mike Gordon and the wider ownership group in their vision for what comes next. Julian and I have worked closely since he became loans and pathway manager, plus even more so in his wider role during the past 12 months.
“We have so many brilliant people here, all of whom contribute to what we have achieved and I have nothing but confidence we will continue to develop, progress and improve as an organisation.”
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