Liverpool have appointed Julian Ward as the club’s new sporting director, bringing back a familiar figure to oversee the football operations department.
The 45-year-old returns to the sporting director position after Richard Hughes held the role for just over two years before departing in September.
This marks Ward’s second spell as Liverpool’s sporting director. He previously occupied the position during the 2022-23 season and said he was “incredibly excited” about returning to the role.
Ward first joined Liverpool in 2012 as the club’s European scouting manager for Spain and Portugal. He later moved into a wider leadership position when he was promoted to assistant sporting director in 2020.
Two years later, Ward succeeded Michael Edwards as sporting director. However, it was confirmed in November 2022 that he would leave Liverpool at the conclusion of that season.
Ward returned to the organisation in 2024 after Fenway Sports Group appointed Edwards as its chief executive of football. He took up the position of FSG technical director and spent the following two years working on player development pathways and the academy structure.
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Liverpool Turn to Familiar Face for Sporting Director Role
FSG president Mike Gordon said the group was pleased to have Ward take charge of the football operations department at an important point for the club.
“We are delighted that Julian has agreed to take over leadership of our football operations department at this juncture, primarily because it is a role for which we believe he is the ideal candidate given his extensive experience of the football industry in general and Liverpool Football Club in particular,” Gordon said.
He added that Ward’s knowledge and experience would strengthen the club’s football operations while providing support to head coach Andoni Iraola.
“The knowledge and expertise he brings will only enhance our football operations, while also ensuring Andoni Iraola is provided with the support he requires as he continues to make such a positive impression as head coach,” Gordon added.
Ward Returns as Liverpool Seek Continuity
Ward’s appointment comes after a period of change within Liverpool’s football structure and gives the club an experienced figure who already understands its internal operations.
Although Liverpool considered candidates from outside the organisation, Ward ultimately emerged as the preferred choice.
His previous experience at Anfield means he is already familiar with the club’s recruitment processes, sporting structure and senior leadership.
During his earlier spell as sporting director under Jurgen Klopp, Ward was involved in the arrivals of Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister and Darwin Nunez.
His extensive network across the football world also gives him experience in negotiations and player recruitment.
Ward was involved in Mohamed Salah’s contract renewal in 2022, including travelling to meet the Egyptian forward while he was on holiday to help complete the agreement.
His relationship with agent Jorge Mendes also proved useful during Liverpool’s pursuit of forward Diogo Jota.
Major Decisions Await Liverpool’s New Sporting Director
Ward will have several important matters to address following his return to the sporting director position.
One of the immediate issues involves Rio Ngumoha, with Liverpool looking to secure the youngster on a long-term agreement now that he has turned 18.
Ward will also be involved in decisions concerning the futures of goalkeeper Alisson and defender Virgil van Dijk, whose current contracts are due to expire this summer.
During his time as FSG’s technical director, Ward also played an important role in the group’s efforts to identify and develop younger players.
His previous work with Liverpool’s academy and player-development pathways means he already has considerable knowledge of the club’s approach to developing emerging talent.
Ward also has a strong working relationship with Mike Gordon, who remains closely involved in the day-to-day running of Liverpool.
A Different Structure This Time Around
Ward’s first spell as Liverpool sporting director ended after just one year of a three-year agreement, but the structure around the head coach position has since changed.
With the roles under Arne Slot and now Andoni Iraola structured differently, Ward is expected to have greater involvement in the club’s football operations.
His return therefore represents more than simply filling a vacant position. Liverpool are bringing back an executive who has previously worked across recruitment, player development and senior football operations.
The coming months will reveal how Ward’s second spell develops, but his previous experience at Anfield means he begins the job with extensive knowledge of the club and its football structure.