Today, we held our latest subscriber-exclusive Ask Ornstein session.
Once a week for an hour, The Athletic’s subscribers can ask me for my views on anything from the world of football. I have pulled together some of my favourite questions and my answers to them from the latest Q&A below. Thanks to all who took part.
Want to ask me a question? I’ll be back next week for another session.
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Josh M asked: Hi David, hope you’re well. What is the likelihood of Michael Edwards returning to Liverpool and, if not, who are the names likely to appear high up on the list of alternatives?
David Ornstein: Hi Josh. Edwards has already turned down the chance to return and there has been nothing to suggest he has changed his mind.
If Fenway Sports Group (FSG) is still trying, you would have to presume their executives think there is still a chance he could perform a U-turn. Either that or they are misguided but I think they are too intelligent for it to be the latter. However, all indications are that Edwards is focused on his Ludonautics consultancy firm, so it would take something major — and quick — to alter that.
Liverpool need to appoint their sporting director — or at least establish a direction of travel — as soon as possible for that person to lead the managerial recruitment process (even though work is already taking place on that in the background, to help the new sporting director hit the ground running).
Edwards has no interest in being a sporting director again. It would need to be something higher, more over-arching and stimulating (which would probably see him appoint a sporting director, for example).
There have been reports that he would demand total control to consider a return to Liverpool. That is not my understanding. He was already offered that by FSG when it made the original approach and he rejected the opportunity — the same with Chelsea, Manchester United and others historically. It’s more about how enticing the project and proposition are to him for different and a variety of reasons. Or, ultimately, perhaps he is just happy with his work and life as it is.
Edwards, left, with Klopp and FSG president Mike Gordon (John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
In terms of alternatives, there has been a lot of speculation about Richard Hughes but that might only be plausible if Edwards returned. My colleague Simon Hughes reported that Ricky Massara and Florent Ghisolfi are among the other options and no doubt there will be further options that have not yet come to light.
Time is of the essence and this is, obviously, a crucial appointment and moment for the club and its future.
Adam M asked: Do you know what areas Arsenal are looking to strengthen in the summer? We know they’re after a centre-forward, so who are the targets?
Ornstein: A striker is the main focus and they admire Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres, Evan Ferguson and others.
Then there is the long-term desire to bring in competition/backup in the wide attacking area. Pedro Neto remains of interest but he is not the only option and it is unlikely Arsenal will pay Wolverhampton Wanders’ asking price of £80million ($101m). He’s a brilliant player but does not have a great injury record.
There will also be competition for Neto, with Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur all in the mix. Depending on departures, a central midfielder might be needed, with long-term interest in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
Defensively, they’ll be boosted by the return of Jurrien Timber and must hope that Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu shake off their injury problems. Because of that issue, you could see a player arriving in this part of the pitch. It will be interesting to see if they try to tie Zinchenko down to a new contract or not, as he is approaching the final two years of his terms.
So much of this will be contingent on exits. You could envisage Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Tierney, Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah all being looked at by suitors. I expect a really busy summer at the Emirates.
Vlada D asked: Hi David, Egyptian ex-footballer Mido posted on social media that Mohamed Salah has already agreed a contract with a Saudi Arabian team. Is this the case and how much would he cost?
Ornstein: Full respect to Mido and others reporting their information — but I’m told it is not true that contracts have been signed. If I’m wrong, I’ll hold my hands up.
There’s every chance he will be pursued by teams from the Saudi Pro League again, especially given he is approaching the last 12 months of his existing deal, but that doesn’t mean he wants to leave Liverpool or Europe.
Alex K asked: When will Nottingham Forest and Everton’s appeals be decided?
Ornstein: Their independent commissions must be completed by early April, Alex. Appeals may follow, with a backstop of May 24 for final verdicts, five days after the final day of the Premier League season. We have more details here.
I’m sure the Premier League will do everything in its power to get everything wrapped up before the final day — and at least under the new rules, the process is quicker — but the fact it could go on beyond the season has the unwanted potential to create a chaotic situation.
Sam H asked: There seems to be a lot of talk about Archie Gray at Leeds United, specifically Liverpool being interested. Is there any substance, or is it just AI-generated hot air?
Ornstein: I would be more surprised if there wasn’t interest, Sam, but this doesn’t mean he will leave.
Archie Gray, 17, is a regular starter at Leeds (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
He has just signed a new contract and perhaps even if offers came in, he would choose to stay. The financial situation at Leeds (like Leicester, for example) means promotion back to the Premier League is vital and that would override the desire to sell Gray, who turns 18 in March.
If that aim is not achieved, the vultures are expected to circle and some tough decisions will need to be made.
Pi P asked: What is the state of play on Mason Greenwood’s future — and who will be Manchester United’s next manager?
Ornstein: I don’t think a decision has been made on Greenwood yet — some serious discussions will need to take place — but my feeling is he will not be returning to United. It might be that such an outcome will be driven as much by the player himself as by United.
If he does leave, I don’t know whether it will be on loan again or permanently, but you imagine a sale would appeal more (provided acceptable offers arrive) to help United’s financial fair play situation and generate funds for them to strengthen in the summer market.
In terms of a manager, we have no clear indication as to which way INEOS will go with Erik ten Hag. Nearly two years into a three-year contract, which includes an option to extend by 12 months, Ten Hag will have to consider what he wants to do as well.
They’re moving forward together and we have nothing firm to suggest that won’t continue, but every club looks at contingency plans.
The various members of United’s fresh and developing hierarchy will each have their an idea about who the next manager could be but, again, this is only if they make a change. At the moment, I’m not aware of that happening.
Harrison M asked: Hi David, is there any update on Jason Wilcox joining Manchester United?
Ornstein: Not yet, Harrison, but as per my original report, Wilcox is who they intend — and are working — to recruit for that boardroom role.
The consensus is they want another key appointment, too, but I’m not aware of that process being as advanced yet.
Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox (Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Mislav L asked: Hi David, do you know if there’s any will among the Chelsea owners to address their vision and ideas for the club’s future in a way that Jim Ratcliffe did for Manchester United last week? It is a bit concerning that we haven’t heard from them in almost two years plus the decision on the stadium doesn’t seem any closer to resolution as well. Do you have any insight on that part too?
Ornstein: Whether we like it or not, Mislav, owners of Premier League clubs rarely speak publicly.
Many of us — particularly fans — want to hear from them, especially new owners, but in Chelsea’s case, the Boehly and Clearlake Capital regime have placed their sporting directors front and centre. They spoke a while back (admittedly via in-house media) and I presume they’ll do so periodically going forward.
Perhaps the owners will talk at some point but often, these things take time. You saw that at Arsenal with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.
On the stadium, I don’t have an update, unfortunately. It’s a massive and extremely complex decision, with various options and many hurdles.
(Top photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
