Julian Ward helped Manchester City win its first Premier League title under Roberto Mancini before Liverpool's new sporting director went on to become a key figure at Anfield
Julian Ward Richard Hughes Michael Edwards and David Woodfine
Julian Ward has been part of the success of tow Premier League winning clubs(Image: 2024 Liverpool FC)
Julian Ward has enjoyed a career at two of English football’s biggest clubs, helping Manchester City during their rise to their first Premier League title before later making the switch to Liverpool.
Ward left Northern Ireland in July 2008 to join Carlos Queiroz’s technical staff with the Portugal national team, taking up a role as head of technical scouting. Following Portugal’s 2010 World Cup campaign and Queiroz’s departure, Ward returned to England and joined Manchester City’s scouting department as a South American scouting strategist.
During his time in the role, City looked to have thrown away the Premier League title in the final stages of the 2011/12 season, but late goals from Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero completed a dramatic comeback against QPR and secured the club’s first league title under Roberto Mancini.
Ward left City in September 2012 after its first Premier League title, joining Liverpool as European scouting manager before later taking charge of the club's loan player programme. By 2020, he had been promoted to assistant sporting director, working alongside Michael Edwards before replacing him as sporting director in 2022.
During his time in the role, Ward was involved in several major Liverpool signings, including Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister. After leaving Anfield, he was linked with sporting director positions at Ajax and Manchester United, Ward returned to Liverpool in May 2024 as technical director for Fenway Sports Group.
He was responsible for overseeing player development pathways and the academy, and had been expected to take charge of another club before Liverpool’s owners scrapped plans to pursue a multi-club ownership model.
Ward is set to return as Liverpool’s sporting director, with the club reportedly choosing him as Richard Hughes’ successor. The Reds have been searching for a new transfer chief since Hughes left earlier this month after just over two years at Anfield.
Manchester City celebrate with the Barclays Premier League Trophy
Manchester City celebrate with the Barclays Premier League Trophy after beating Queens Park Rangers 3-2 to become Barclays Premier League Champions 2011/12 (Photo by AMA/Corbis via Getty Images)(Image: Getty Images)
Hughes played a key role in the appointments of Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola, while also overseeing record-breaking deals for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. His departure had been expected throughout the summer, before his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal was confirmed.
Liverpool has since conducted its search for a replacement, with FSG technical director Ward now expected to take over the role, according to The Athletic.
Liverpool considered both internal and external candidates to replace Hughes, with the process led by FSG president Mike Gordon.
Brentford technical director Lee Dykes was among those to hold talks with the club, while Liverpool were also reportedly interested in Bees sporting director Phil Giles. However, a deal to bring Giles to Anfield was considered difficult.
The Reds ultimately appeared to favour an internal appointment, with Ward emerging as the preferred candidate. Assistant sporting director David Woodfine, FSG director of football development Pedro Marques and director of global talent Matt Newberry were also linked with the position.