Edwards had been invited to an England hotel by Raheem Sterling to cut players’ hair. While moving through an elevator, he filmed Oxlade-Chamberlain wearing red clothing associated with Liverpool and posted the clip.
Only minutes later, Edwards realised the significance of what he had shared. The move was still private, but the image had already created a stir. A routine appointment had briefly turned into one of the most unexpected transfer leaks of the Premier League era.
The episode also underlines the network Edwards has built through HD Cutz, his Los Angeles-based salon. His clients have included players, coaches, medical staff and physiotherapists, giving him access to football environments far beyond the dressing room.
That relationship extends to Mauricio Pochettino, whom Edwards has known since the manager’s time at Tottenham Hotspur. He also works around the United States national team, where his role has become part grooming, part morale-building and part cultural connection.
One recent example was Weston McKennie, whose red, blue and white hairstyle reflected the colours of the United States. Edwards has indicated that another player could unveil a surprise look in the next match.
Edwards’ profile grew through major tournaments. Mousa Dembele took him to Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, while later clients included Radja Nainggolan and Antonio Rudiger. His work on Phil Foden before Euro 2020, inspired by Paul Gascoigne, brought even wider attention.
Now, with the United States preparing to face Australia, Edwards’ next contribution may not leak a transfer. It could simply set the tone for another important night.