Barley two months ago, a beaming Edu was photographed alongside Mikel Arteta as the Arsenal manager signed a new contract.
Edu explained how Arteta’s deal gave Arsenal “stability” in their quest to reach “new heights”, adding there was a “strong belief” in what they wanted to achieve together.
Now, though, those stable foundations at Arsenal have been rocked after Edu resigned as sporting director.
The Brazilian informed staff at Arsenal’s training ground on Monday morning of his decision to leave.
Several were left sadden and shocked, with Edu an immensely popular figure, although there had been murmurings of a possible departure back in the summer.
It was then that media in Brazil first reported of Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ desire to hire Edu. A senior and lucrative role in the Marinakis group, who own Forest, Greek side Olympiacos and Portuguese club Rio Ave, now appears his most likely destination.
Such jobs are becoming commonplace and desired in the modern game, with Jurgen Klopp appointed head of global soccer at Red Bull last month.
For Edu, such a role represents a promotion and pay rise - and an increase in the power he holds at Arsenal. He has shown his ambition in the past and two years ago was promoted to sporting director after being linked with top clubs around Europe.
Edu is a key figure at Arsenal, but executive vice-chair Tim Lewis and managing director Richard Garlick are also vital components
Lewis is a long-term confidant of the Kroenke family and was made non-executive director in 2020. Last year, he was promoted to executive vice-chair.
Garlick has also risen the ranks. He first joined Arsenal in 2021 as director of football operations - a role James King takes up this month - but was promoted to managing director in the summer when chief executive Vinai Venkatesham left.
The structure in place, and the fact power does not rest with one man, is why Arsenal will be confident of having stability going forward without Edu.
Arteta, Garlick and Lewis will have input in the search for a successor, but the ultimate sign-off will come from the Kroenkes.
For Arteta, the departure of Edu will hurt.
Arsenal plan in advance for transfer windows, sometimes as far as a year ahead
When Edu was linked with a move away in 2022, Arteta hailed him as a “super important figure” and added how he wanted him to stay for “a long time”.
The pair have a close relationship and Edu has backed Arteta over big calls, such as the decision to axe Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
There is no sense of a falling out at Arsenal between Edu and the hierarchy, and he admitted in his statement on Monday evening it was an “incredibly hard decision” to leave.
Edu has a close bond with Arsenal from his time there as a player. He and his family are also settled in London, with his son Luigi on the books of Arsenal’s training ground neighbours Watford.
Edu cannot, and would not, take all the credit but he has played a leading role in overhauling the Arsenal squad since joining in 2019 and turned them into title contenders, which is what makes his departure such a blow for the club.
He plays a key role in negotiations, with his standing as a former player helpful in making connections. Agents speak of how incredibly charming Edu is and the fact he is an excellent communicator.
The same goes for those inside Arsenal and, while Arteta has played an important role in changing the culture, Edu has too. He is upbeat and energetic, which makes people naturally draw towards him.
His work has not gone unnoticed and last year he was named Best European Director at the Golden Boy 2023 awards.
Arsenal must now face up to life without Edu and, at present, it is unclear what his notice period will be and what compensation the club would be due.
There will, rightly, be questions about how Arsenal are impacted ahead of the January transfer window.
The club plan in advance for windows, sometimes as far as a year ahead, and members of the remaining executive team have experience conducting major transfer dealings.
Co-chair Josh Kroenke has vowed the club’s bold ambitions do not change, despite losing a key figure.
“Change and evolution is a part of our club,” he said. “We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”
Replacing Edu is not going to be easy, and will be a true test of how well run Arsenal are.
