Julian Ward expected to be appointed Liverpool sporting director

Julian Ward is expected to be appointed as the new sporting director at Liverpool FC, succeeding Richard Hughes. According to reports from David Ornstein, the ownership-led selection process is nearing its conclusion.

Ward, 45, previously served as the club’s sporting director in 2022 before departing at the end of the 2022/23 season. He recently returned to the Fenway Sports Group setup as a technical director. During his prior tenure at Liverpool, he was credited with playing a key role in major transfers, including the acquisitions of Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister.

The appointment follows the departure of Richard Hughes, who has moved to Saudi Arabia. While the news of an in-house appointment is expected to divide opinion among supporters, Ward’s familiarity with the club’s recruitment operations is a significant factor. Liverpool had reportedly considered several external candidates, including Brentford’s Lee Dykes and Phil Giles, before moving toward a decision on Ward.