Julian Ward is expected to become Liverpool's new sporting director, with David Ornstein reporting that the 45-year-old is the club's preferred choice to replace Richard Hughes.
Ornstein said the ownership-led process has “not closed” but is “now drawing to a conclusion”, with Ward in line to become Liverpool's most senior sporting executive.
Ward currently serves as FSG's technical director, where he focuses on player development pathways and the club's academy. His emergence as the leading candidate gives Liverpool a clearer picture of how they could fill the vacancy left by Hughes.
Why Liverpool Need A New Sporting Director
Richard Hughes left Liverpool after around two and a half years in the role to become sporting director at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Two members of Liverpool's recruitment staff, Mark Burchill and Craig McKee, also left the club to join Al-Hilal.
The vacancy comes during a wider reshuffle at the top of Liverpool's football operation. Michael Edwards, who returned to FSG as CEO of Football in 2024, resigned from the role in July.
Edwards had persuaded Ward to return to Liverpool as technical director the previous year, bringing the pair back together after Ward's first spell at the club. Liverpool also considered internal options before Ward emerged as the leading candidate.
Assistant sporting director David Woodfine and director of football development Pedro Marques were both considered for the role, but are expected to remain in their current positions.
Julian Ward Has Already Held This Role Before
Ward is not new to the role. He first became Liverpool's sporting director in 2022, replacing Edwards after several years as his assistant.
He left the position after one season, telling the club's owners he wanted a break from football, before Edwards convinced him to return in a different role in 2024.
During his first spell in the role, Ward was involved in the signings of Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister. His previous experience at Liverpool has now put him in contention to return to the position, with the club considering an internal appointment.
Liverpool have not set a date for an official announcement and have yet to confirm Ward's exact title or the terms of any new contract.
It is also unclear whether he would continue as FSG's technical director alongside the sporting director role or hand those responsibilities to someone else within the organisation.
