Julian Ward is among the candidates being considered to become Newcastle United’s new sporting director as Liverpool’s owner FSG faces a potential major shake-up this summer.
Ward was appointed as FSG’s technical director last year, having previously been Liverpool’s sporting director after taking over from Michael Edwards back in 2022. He left after just a year in that original role, with Jurgen Klopp’s influence on transfers and other matters growing at Anfield.
With Klopp leaving as manager in 2024 though, Ward returned alongside Edwards to head up FSG’s new-look soccer operations, with Richard Hughes appointed to their former role at Liverpool.
Just a year on from his return though, Ward is reportedly being eyed up for a move elsewhere in the Premier League.
According to the Daily Mail, Ward is in the frame to become Newcastle’s new sporting director after Paul Mitchell stood down early from his role.
Mitchell had been expected to leave the club at the end of June, although he is understood to have stood down with immediate effect after overseeing a handover, having not made a first-team signing after being in the role for less than a year.
Paul Mitchell has left Newcastle after less than a year as the club's sporting director
Paul Mitchell has left Newcastle after less than a year as the club's sporting director
Newcastle has now asked Andy Howe - nephew of manager Eddie Howe - to work alongside head of recruitment Steve Nickson while a replacement is found.
As well as Ward, Nottingham Forest chief Ross Wilson and former Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto are said to be in the frame for the job, with interviews due to take place.
Ward isn’t the only major figure that has been linked with a departure from FSG this summer. Edwards has also been touted for a role elsewhere, with reports earlier this month suggesting he had agreed to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
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However, those reports are understood to be wide of the mark, with no formal offer or meeting having taken place to facilitate Edwards’ move to the Middle East.
Nevertheless, Al-Hilal is said to be interested in landing Edwards, who was appointed as FSG’s chief executive of soccer last year, having previously spent 11 years at Liverpool in a number of key roles, including chief analyst, technical director and sporting director.
Departures for Edwards and Ward would come at an inconvenient time for FSG and Liverpool. The Reds’ owners are aiming to expand their soccer portfolio, with the group looking at a multi-club ownership model.
Liverpool, meanwhile, is embarking on a major overhaul of Arne Slot’s squad this summer, with Jeremie Frimpong already signed up, while Florian Wirtz is expected to complete his move this week, with Milos Kerkez likely to follow soon after.