Liverpool are in search of a new sporting director after the exit of Richard Hughes, and a familiar name has been mentioned as an option for the Reds.
Hughes has officially departed for Saudi Arabia after his two-year stint at Anfield, with the Scot sending a goodbye message to the club, saying:
“First and foremost, I would like to reiterate what I said upon my arrival – it has been a source of great pride to have been given the opportunity to serve this incredible and unique institution. That is something I will always be grateful for.
“My appreciation extends to ownership for their support and leadership, to club staff at all levels who give so much to make Liverpool FC what it is, to the players who make such an enormous contribution and to the fans who support the team in great numbers whenever and wherever games take place.
“I’ll always follow and support the club with great affection, and I wish everyone involved nothing but success for this season and beyond.”
It’s now vital that Liverpool pick the right replacement for Hughes, and according to The Athletic, technical director Julian Ward is “likely to be considered” as a choice to take the role of sporting director.
The report also says the same applies to the current Reds assistant sporting director, David Woodfine, and FSG’s director of football development, Pedro Marques.
Is Julian Ward Liverpool’s ideal next sporting director?
Ward would be an in-house hire by Liverpool, at a time when some may want a fresh face to come in from outside the club, but he has clear credentials that should make him a standout option.
He has already shone as the Reds’ sporting director in the past, with Jurgen Klopp making his appreciation for him known when they worked together, having overseen the signing of Luis Diaz from Porto.
“I also must make clear my appreciation to our ownership and football operations team for how they have managed to act so decisively to get this done. Luis is a player we believe will make us better now and in the future. He is the player we really wanted and they’ve made it happen, so I am very happy.”
Whoever comes in to replace Hughes has to be the best possible option, with the departed former sporting director not leaving as the most popular figure, following a frustrating summer transfer window.