Liverpool to reappoint Julian Ward as sporting director
Ward returns to the role he held in 2022-23 after a two-year stint as technical director.
What to know
- Julian Ward is expected to return as Liverpool sporting director for a second spell after first holding the role in 2022-23, succeeding Richard Hughes who departed in September 2026.
- Ward has been FSG's technical director since 2024 and brings familiarity with both the ownership's structure and Liverpool's recruitment operation after a decade with the club.
- The appointment comes during significant leadership upheaval, with Michael Edwards stepping down as CEO of football, Hughes and other recruitment figures departing, and FSG selling a 38% stake to a new consortium.
- Ward's first stint saw him oversee signings of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo, but he left after one season with reports of difficulties working with Jurgen Klopp; the club now operates under a head coach model rather than manager structure.
“He was involved in the arrivals of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, while he remained beyond his planned departure date to help complete the signing of Alexis Mac Allister in 2023.”
The Athletic · Yahoo Sports ↗
Julian Ward Candidate for Liverpool sporting directorRichard Hughes Former Liverpool sporting directorMichael Edwards FSG football leadershipFenway Sports Group Liverpool's ownership group
How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articlesposts
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“Ward expected to be named Liverpool sporting director…”
— David Ornstein -
4 outlets first by Yahoo Sports, 1d ago · also Evening Standard, The Times, The New York Times · read ↗
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background
Richard Hughes departs as Liverpool sporting director — Hughes officially leaves Liverpool after two-and-a-half years in the sporting director role, joining Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. His departure prompts Liverpool to begin the search for a successor.
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Ward appointed FSG technical director as Michael Edwards returns — After Edwards returns to the ownership group, Ward takes on technical director role overseeing player development pathways and the academy for two years.
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Ward departs Liverpool sporting director role after one season — Ward informs FSG in November 2022 of his intention to leave at season's end, but extends his departure to complete Alexis Mac Allister's signing in summer 2023.
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Julian Ward becomes Liverpool sporting director after Michael Edwards departs — Ward is promoted to sporting director after serving two years as Edwards' assistant. He oversees signings of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo during the 2022-23 season.