One simple fact which shows Michael Edwards' genius as Liverpool's sporting director

Back on 4 November 2016, Liverpool have promoted Michael Edwards into a newly-created role of the club's sporting director. The specialist has never given any reason to doubt his quality and has completed a number of absolutely sensational deals.

Takumi Minamino is expected to join the Reds from RB Salzburg on January first for £7.25m. If everything goes as planned, it would mean that Edwards has managed to sign Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah and now Minamino for a combined £51.5m.

At the same time, Michael has sold Dominic Solanke, Kevin Stewart, Ryan Kent, Danny Ward and Andre Wisdom for the same amount.

Edwards initially joined the club November 2011 as head of analytics. Later on, the 40-year-old was subsequently promoted to director of technical performance and then technical director. Michael is currently responsible for the club's overall development which implies player identification, acquisitions, sales and retention.