**Liverpool have confirmed Julian Ward’s reappointment as sporting director.**
Ward replaces Richard Hughes [following his departure to Al-Hilal](https://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc/67944-liverpool-begin-search-for-hughes-successor/) and marks a return to the post he held in the 2022/23 season before leaving unexpectedly.
The 45-year-old was previously deputy sporting director to Michael Edwards and boasts nearly a decade-and-a-half of prior roles within the Anfield setup.
His second spell with the Reds after a brief stint as technical director for owners Fenway Sports Group is seen as an important continuity move.
Andoni Iraola’s side is facing a transitional period on and off the pitch with the arrival of 1892 Holdings to the club’s hierarchy in the season’s early weeks.
The consortium fronted by Amit Bhatia and involving Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has the option to seal a full takeover should FSG decide to sell up.
Prior to his initial move to Liverpool’s ranks, Ward had spells in club and international football with Manchester City and the Portugal national team.
He 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, 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.”