Liverpool look set to appoint Julian Ward as their new sporting director after the departure of Richard Hughes, according to reliable journalist David Ornstein.
Hughes has left for Saudi Arabia, following a divisive spell in the role that saw huge money spent last summer, sending a goodbye message to the club earlier this month:
“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.”
Writing on X, Ornstein dropped the news that Ward is now expected to return as Liverpool’s sporting director for a second stint:
“Julian Ward expected to be appointed Liverpool sporting director. 45yo Englishman preferred option to succeed Richard Hughes & become most senior LFC sporting executive; ownership-led process not closed but now drawing towards conclusion.”
Is Julian Ward Liverpool’s best choice as sporting director?
This news is likely to split opinion among Reds supporters, with some happy with an in-house appointment but others wanting more of a clean slate as sporting director.
The fact that Ward already knows the role well certainly can’t be a bad thing, though, and Jurgen Klopp admired the work he did in striking a deal for Luis Diaz back in 2022:
“We know Porto is an outstanding club who nurture players in the best possible way and provide a brilliant football education. They are a class club and, I have to say, have been tough negotiators. 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.”
This is an appointment that has to work for Liverpool, with Ward needing to be more like Michael Edwards and less like Hughes, as Andoni Iraola eyes key transfer business in 2027.
This summer wasn’t the best when it came to recruitment – some even felt that Hughes had one eye on his new job in Saudi Arabia – but it is vital that key positions are focused on, from right-back to central midfield.
Ward didn’t last long the first time around, but the hope is that he feels like he has unfinished business in a huge role, taking the club forward in the right direction and working effectively alongside Iraola and the rest of the recruitment team.