Julian Ward has been reappointed as Liverpool sporting director following the departure of Richard Hughes
Barry Hunter, Julian Ward, Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes and David Woodfine after Liverpool's Premier League title win in 2025
Julian Ward, second from left, is Liverpool's new sporting director(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Julian Ward as the club’s new sporting director with the 45-year-old returning to the role to succeed Richard Hughes.
Ward previously replaced Michael Edwards in the position back in 2022 and oversaw a number of high-profile signings including the arrivals of Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister.
However, he ultimately only served a year in the post after announcing his decision to step down midway through the 2022/23 season.
But after joining Fenway Sports Group as a technical director in 2024, he now returns to his previous position following Hughes’ exit after the former Scotland international handed in his notice in order to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Following his appointment, Ward said: “I am incredibly excited to take on this role and it goes without saying that I am hugely grateful for the trust that has been placed in me by ownership.
“Having been part of Liverpool’s football operation for more than a decade, I have a full appreciation and first-hand knowledge of the challenge that comes with the position, as well as a clear understanding of the demands and ambitions of this great club.
“This is an exciting period for Liverpool – on and off the pitch – in which change and opportunity go hand in hand, but at the same time the culture, values and principles that have underpinned the club for so long remain as strong as ever.
“As a football club, we will continue to create an environment that maximises performance while promoting the continued development of our players and our people.
“In Andoni (Iraola), together with the wider team of staff across the AXA Training Centre, the Academy and AXA Melwood, we have the expertise, talent and conditions required to keep driving the club forward.
“Building on these strong foundations and the work overseen by our football operations in recent seasons is both a huge responsibility and a privilege.”
Ward’s appointment was led by FSG President Mike Gordon, who resumed day-to-day oversight of the club following Edwards’ own departure as Liverpool ownership group’s CEO of football earlier this year.
It is understood the Reds were keen to make an appointment at the earliest possible opportunity, while following a number of significant changes at Anfield in recent seasons, identify and appoint the right individual to lead the club behind the scenes.
Gordon said of the rehire: “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.
“Julian’s appointment also represents the continuation of a long-standing relationship which has always served Liverpool well, and we very much look forward to the next stage in its development.”
Following his reappointment, Ward will now lead the Reds’ football operation, working with assistant sporting director David Woodfine, chief scout Barry Hunter, FSG director of football development Pedro Marques and the wider senior leadership team across the AXA Training Centre and Academy.
Meanwhile, he has already forged a relationship with new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola, with the 45-year-old well-placed to hit the ground running.
Ward will now lead the Reds’ transfer strategy ahead of the January window, while he will also be responsible for conducting contract negotiations with players.
He successfully negotiated a new long-term deal with Mohamed Salah in 2023, and with Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker two of a number of senior players out of contract next summer and Alexis Mac Allister having gone public on his desire for a new contract, will need to hold talks with a number of representatives in the forthcoming months
Prior to his first stint as sporting director, Ward held a number of senior strategic positions at Anfield, including European scouting manager, director of loan player management, assistant sporting director, with his association with the club stretching back more than 14 years.
Before joining the Reds for the first time, he worked in both club and international football with Manchester City and the Portugal national team, with his time in Portugal proving highly beneficial in helping engineer a number of transfer deals following his move to Anfield.