Liverpool, United Kingdom – Liverpool FC has officially announced the appointment of Julian Ward as Sporting Director, succeeding Richard Hughes, who recently left the role to join Saudi club Al-Hilal in the same capacity.
In an official statement, Liverpool announced that Ward has immediately assumed his new role with the club, having previously served as Sporting Director for Fenway Sports Group, the club’s owner.
Ward, 45, previously served as Liverpool’s sporting director during the 2022–2023 season before assuming his current role with Fenway Sports Group.
Ward possesses extensive experience within the Liverpool setup and played a key role in several of the club’s signings in recent years, including Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo, and Alexis Mac Allister.
Ward’s appointment comes amidst a series of administrative changes at Liverpool—particularly following the departures of Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards (CEO of Football)—coinciding with Fenway Sports Group’s sale of approximately 40% of the club’s shares.
Ward expressed his happiness at returning to the role of Sporting Director at Liverpool, emphasizing his appreciation for the trust the club’s management has placed in him.
Ward said: “I am extremely excited to take on this role, and naturally, I am deeply grateful for the trust the management has placed in me”.
He added: “Having been part of Liverpool’s football operations for over a decade, I have a full appreciation and firsthand knowledge of the challenge that comes with this role, as well as a clear understanding of the requirements and ambitions of this great club”.
The new sporting director noted that the current phase represents a period of significant change and opportunity, both within and outside the club, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the culture, values, and principles that underpin Liverpool.
He added: “As a football club, we will continue to create an environment that maximizes performance while fostering the continuous development of our players and staff”.
Ward concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of building upon the work accomplished in recent seasons, noting that continuing to develop the club’s football system represents both a significant responsibility and an honor.