Liverpool Sporting Director Return
Julian Ward is expected to return as Liverpool sporting director amid structural changes.
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Julian Ward is expected to return as Liverpool’s sporting director, with reports saying Fenway Sports Group’s search for Richard Hughes’ successor is nearing completion, although the club has not officially confirmed the appointment. Ward, 45, previously held the role during the 2022-23 season and currently serves as FSG’s technical director after returning to the organization in 2024. He has longstanding ties to Liverpool, having joined in 2012 and later worked as an assistant sporting director and in player-development and academy operations. During his previous tenure, he was involved in the recruitment of Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo, Luis Díaz and Alexis Mac Allister, though his transfer record also included players who struggled to establish themselves at Anfield. His return would provide continuity amid significant upheaval at Liverpool and FSG, including Hughes’ departure to Al-Hilal and Michael Edwards’ exit from the ownership group’s football operations.
Key Points
1
Ward announced he would leave the sporting director role at the end of the 2022-23 campaign, reportedly stepping down after only six months because of personal reasons.
2
Liverpool’s recruitment department has also been disrupted by the departures of Mark Burchill and Craig McKee, who reportedly followed Richard Hughes to Al-Hilal.
3
Ward’s potential return comes as FSG restructures its ownership, including the reported sale of a 38% stake in Liverpool to 1892 Holdings, a consortium led by Amit Bhatia that includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, in a deal valued at £2 billion.
4
If appointed, Ward would inherit responsibility for the club’s day-to-day football operations, which have recently been overseen by FSG president Mike Gordon.
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A key early challenge could be strengthening midfield in the January window: Liverpool did not sign a midfielder during the summer, while reports also described internal disagreement over Darwin Núñez’s recruitment, with Jürgen Klopp said to have strongly favored the deal despite concerns within the club.
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