Liverpool named Julian Ward as their sporting director, taking over from Richard Hughes after he left for Al Hilal, with the club's former technical director knowing he has work to do with the roster
Lamine Camara
Lamine Camara featured at Anfield in preseason against Andoni Iraola's team
Julian Ward has already begun working on the future of Liverpool after being named sporting director, taking over from Richard Hughes as the man in charge of the club's transfer decisions.
Hughes announced his departure from Anfield at the end of the summer transfer window, following a two-year stint with the club. Ward has been in a similar role before, having taken over from Michael Edwards in 2022, before leaving in 2023.
Ward was the man behind the Reds' signing of Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, and Darwin Nunez, before returning in a different capacity for Fenway Sports Group (FSG). Now, he has been moved from FSG's technical director to Liverpool's sporting director and will have control over dealings again.
Liverpool.com has looked into realistic options for Ward to consider in January, with all five players capable of making an immediate impact at the club and solving long-term squad issues.
Neco Williams - RB/LB (Nottingham Forest)
Neco Williams returning to Liverpool would be a smart acquisition
Neco Williams returning to Liverpool would be a smart acquisition
Bringing Williams back to the club makes sense for several reasons, primarily versatility to two positions of need. Williams has taken a big leap since leaving the club in 2022, due to a lack of playing time behind Trent Alexander-Arnold.
While Liverpool will hope that Conor Bradley can win the position in the long term, Williams brings competition at left-back and has impressed at Nottingham Forest.
The Reds have a sell-on clause for Williams, which could allow them to negotiate a cheaper deal to bring him back. He's still only 25 years old, fits the system, and would almost certainly look to return to a Champions League team. Importantly, Williams also qualifies as a homegrown player — something the Reds need.
Tyrick Mitchell - LB (Crystal Palace)
Another homegrown player who could be acquired in a low-cost deal is Mitchell, who is set to become a free agent next summer and appears to be keen to leave Crystal Palace.
A solid left-back in the league for six seasons, Mitchell is not likely to be a massive step-up from Milos Kerkez, nor is he a long-term solution.
But he's a dependable player who impresses on both sides of the field—a low-risk, high-ceiling transfer.
Josh Acheampong - CB (Chelsea)
Acheampong
Josh Acheampong could be a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk and partner for Jeremy Jacquet
Just a few weeks ago, Liverpool fans were extremely worried about the center-back position. But with Jeremy Jacquet coming in and dominating, alongside Virgil van Dijk looking back to his best, the Reds have their players for this season. Ronald Araujo has impressed playing right-back and is also an option at his preferred position in the middle, while the club expects both Joe Gomez and Geovani Leoni to return soon.
The prospect of Leoni and Jacquet is exciting, but we need to see more from Leoni before crowning him as the next great center-back. Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye are likely to be a few years away from stepping into a dependable first-team role.
Still, Liverpool does need to replace Van Dijk, who is out of contract at the end of the season and will turn 36 next year. Acheampong has impressed in his limited playing time, which could be hard to find at Chelsea given the number of bodies they have at the position. If Ward can bring him in for less than $40 million, it's something he should consider. He is also very capable of playing right-back, and could be a replacement for Araujo if he is not signed.
Lamine Camara - CDM (AS Monaco)
The Reds' interest in Camara appears to be legitimate, with reports that they even contacted the French side, telling them they could make a move in January after a deal to Chelsea fell through. That feels like a strange one... why wait? If it is actually true, it's something Liverpool fans should be pleased about.
The Reds have not had a true defensive midfield player since Fabinho. While Ryan Gravenberch has filled in that position valiantly, it's not his natural role, and he has not looked like the player he showed in the first half of their Premier League-winning season. Gravenberch would be better suited to a No. 6, such as Camara, next to him.
Camara is at his best when sitting in front of the defensive line, winning the ball back and stopping counterattacks. He's young, explosive, and athletic.
Yankuba Minteh - RW (Brighton)
Minteh
Liverpool has a clear interest in Minteh
Despite signing two wingers in Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz, Liverpool still needs another player on the right.
While the two aforementioned, alongside Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha, have figured from the right, all four are at their best when playing from the left. One of them is sure to leave the club in the next 18 months, with Gakpo coming close to a move in August.
Liverpool made a bid for Minteh, but Brighton asked for too much, with the Reds clearly uncomfortable with meeting their demands for an injured player. Minteh was reportedly extremely keen on the move, which could be facilitated if Brighton finds a replacement in January.