Liverpool have appointed Julian Ward as their new sporting director, bringing the experienced football executive back into the position for a second spell at Anfield.
Ward, 45, succeeds Richard Hughes, who spent just over two years in the role before leaving the club in September.
The appointment represents a return to a position Ward previously held during the 2022-23 season. He said he was “incredibly excited” about taking on the responsibility once again.
Ward’s association with Liverpool dates back to 2012, when he joined the club as European scouting manager covering Spain and Portugal. His responsibilities increased over time, and he became assistant sporting director in 2020.
In 2022, Ward replaced Michael Edwards as sporting director. However, it was announced later that year that he would depart Liverpool at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
Ward returned to the organisation in 2024 after Fenway Sports Group appointed Edwards as its chief executive of football. He became FSG’s technical director and subsequently worked on Liverpool’s player-development pathways and academy structure.
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Liverpool Hand Ward Football Operations Responsibility
FSG president Mike Gordon welcomed Ward’s return and explained that his extensive knowledge of both the football industry and Liverpool made him a strong candidate for the position.
Gordon said Ward’s experience would strengthen Liverpool’s football operations and help provide the necessary support to head coach Andoni Iraola.
The decision also gives Liverpool an executive who already understands the club’s internal structure, recruitment approach and long-term football strategy.
Ward Brings Previous Recruitment Experience
Ward’s return provides Liverpool with continuity following a period of change within the club’s football department.
Although Liverpool considered candidates from outside the organisation, Ward eventually emerged as the preferred appointment.
During his first spell as sporting director under Jurgen Klopp, Ward was involved in several major recruitment deals. Liverpool brought in Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister and Darwin Nunez during that period.
His experience extends beyond identifying players, with Ward also having developed a wide network of contacts across the football industry and considerable experience handling negotiations.
He played an important part in Mohamed Salah’s contract renewal in 2022, travelling to meet the forward while Salah was on holiday as Liverpool worked to secure a new agreement.
Ward’s relationship with agent Jorge Mendes also proved useful during Liverpool’s pursuit of Diogo Jota.
Several Key Decisions Await Ward
The returning sporting director will have plenty of important matters to address as he settles back into the role.
One of the immediate priorities will be Rio Ngumoha’s future, with Liverpool looking to secure the young player on a long-term agreement after he turned 18.
Ward will also have a role in decisions surrounding the contracts of Alisson and Virgil van Dijk, whose existing agreements are due to expire this summer.
His recent experience as FSG’s technical director should also prove valuable. In that position, Ward was involved in Liverpool’s efforts to identify and recruit younger players while helping develop pathways for emerging talent.
He also maintains a strong relationship with Mike Gordon, who remains closely involved in the club’s day-to-day operations.
Second Spell Comes Under a Different Structure
Ward’s first period as sporting director ended only 12 months into a three-year agreement. However, Liverpool’s football structure has since evolved.
The head coach position was organised differently under Arne Slot and is now operating under his successor Andoni Iraola, potentially giving Ward a greater role in the club’s wider football decision-making process.
His return therefore represents more than simply replacing Richard Hughes. Liverpool have brought back an executive with previous experience in recruitment, negotiations, academy development and senior football operations.
Ward already understands the demands of working at Anfield and has established relationships across the club and the wider football industry.
His second spell as Liverpool sporting director will now begin with several significant decisions ahead, particularly around contracts, young-player development and the club’s future recruitment strategy.
