Liverpool have appointed Julian Ward as their new sporting director for a second time, turning to a familiar face to steady the ship following the departure of Richard Hughes to Al-Hilal.
The move brings a swift end to the search led by Fenway Sports Group (FSG) president Mike Gordon. Hughes stepped down after the summer transfer window to join the Saudi Pro League side, leaving Liverpool with a crucial hierarchy position to fill amidst wider structural shifts at Anfield.
Ward, 45, previously served as sporting director during the 2022-23 season after replacing Michael Edwards. Although he stepped away after just a year for personal reasons, he returned to the fold in 2024 as FSG’s technical director, overseeing player development pathways and global talent strategy.
Now back in the top recruitment seat, Ward inherits the primary responsibility for Liverpool's major football decisions, transfer strategy, and contract negotiations.
A return to familiar surroundings
Unlike an external appointment requiring a lengthy transition period, Ward brings 14 years of direct experience within the Anfield infrastructure.
He first joined Liverpool from Manchester City in 2012 as European scouting manager for Spain and Portugal. Over the years, he stepped up into key roles including loan pathways manager and assistant sporting director before taking over from Edwards in 2022.
During his first stint in charge, Ward oversaw significant business, securing the signatures of Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo, and Alexis Mac Allister.
While Jürgen Klopp exerted considerable influence over transfer strategy during that period, the internal power dynamic has shifted.
Under the updated head coach model initially introduced for Arne Slot and now operated by Andoni Iraola, Ward is expected to exercise far greater executive control over squad building and long-term planning.
High stakes and hierarchy changes
The re-appointment comes at a defining moment for the club. The summer transfer window highlighted by the British record arrival of Alexander Isak drew sharp criticism from pundit and former defender Jamie Carragher, who labeled it "arguably the worst ever" amidst mixed early results.
Beyond the transfer department, the wider executive structure is undergoing a major evolution. Former chief executive of football Michael Edwards has departed this year, while FSG are currently in the process of selling a 38 percent stake in the club to 1892 Holdings for £2 billion.
The consortium, fronted by Amit Bhatia and including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, retains an option for a full takeover should FSG decide to sell up down the line.
Despite the boardroom shifts, FSG leadership clearly views Ward as the ideal figure to maintain continuity.
Speaking on the appointment, FSG president Mike Gordon outlined the reasoning behind bringing Ward back into the lead role:
"We are delighted that Julian has agreed to take over leadership of our football operations department at this juncture, primarily because it is a role for which we believe he is the ideal candidate given his extensive experience of the football industry in general and Liverpool Football Club in particular.
"The knowledge and expertise he brings will only enhance our football operations, while also ensuring Andoni Iraola is provided with the support he requires as he continues to make such a positive impression as head coach."
Reflecting on his return to the position, Ward confirmed he was "incredibly excited" to take on the challenge once again.
Supporting the new era
Ward will not operate in isolation. He is set to lead Liverpool's football operations alongside assistant sporting director David Woodfine, chief scout Barry Hunter, FSG director of football development Pedro Marques, and Iraola's senior leadership team.
By choosing a leader with deep roots in the club's scouting and analytical framework, Liverpool's owners are banking on internal stability to navigate a demanding period both on and off the pitch. All eyes now turn to the upcoming transfer windows to see how Ward shapes the next phase of the squad.
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