Stadium overview of Liverpool FC Anfield stadium
Stadium overview of Liverpool FC Anfield stadium
Julian Ward’s long-term vision for Liverpool is taking shape, according to The Athletic’s James Pearce.
Liverpool appointed Ward as sporting director on Saturday 26 September, with immediate effect. He replaced Richard Hughes, who left the club to join Saudi side Al-Hilal.
It is Ward’s second spell in the job. He held the role in 2022-23 and oversaw the signings of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, as well as Mohamed Salah’s contract renewal. He most recently served as Fenway Sports Group’s technical director.
Less than three weeks into his return, Ward’s in-tray is full.
Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk are both out of contract at the end of this season. Pearce reports that Ward has signed a rolling contract and is viewed as a long-term appointment, with a strategy that will need time to develop.
Part of that strategy concerns young players. Liverpool want to establish strategic partnerships with clubs in mainland Europe to help develop their top young talent.
Ward is leading the plans. Liverpool are seeking regular loan destinations where they trust the coaching and the environment.
Rather than loan youngsters to different clubs each year, the plan is to deal regularly with the same clubs. Liverpool would choose clubs where they fully trust the environment, in both coaching and culture.
FSG shelved plans to buy into a multi-club model because of the red tape involved. The club still feel these partnerships would give them access to global talent and player development pipelines.
The revamp also covers recruitment. Liverpool want to sign the best young talents from around the world.
Ward knows this area well. In his first spell at the club, he served as European scouting manager and director of loan player management.
In 2015, he became loan pathways and football partnerships manager, a role in which he built partnerships and networks with clubs across England and Europe.
Liverpool’s recent youth recruitment includes Rio Ngumoha, who joined from Chelsea’s academy in 2024, and Trey Nyoni, who joined from Leicester City’s academy in 2023.
The club have also been linked with Mexican attacking midfielder Gilberto Mora. He turned 18 on 14 October and can now complete a move abroad.
FSG president Mike Gordon said Ward’s knowledge and expertise would strengthen the club’s football operations. He added that head coach Andoni Iraola would get the support he needs.
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