Liverpool appoint Julian Ward as sporting director following Richard Hughes exit

Liverpool appoint Julian Ward as sporting director following Richard Hughes exit Liverpool have appointed Julian Ward as sporting director, with the experienced executive returning to the role more than three years after previously stepping down. Ward takes up the position immediately after most recently working as technical director for Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group. The appointment follows Richard Hughes’s departure earlier this month after two years as sporting director, with the 47-year-old subsequently joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. Ward represents a familiar choice as Liverpool attempt to maintain continuity during a period of considerable change behind the scenes. The 45-year-old initially joined Liverpool’s football operation in 2012 and worked across scouting, recruitment and player development before progressing through the club’s hierarchy. He served as European scouting manager and director of loan player management before becoming assistant sporting director under Michael Edwards. Ward succeeded Edwards as sporting director in 2022 but stepped down at the end of the 2022-23 campaign after informing Liverpool that he wanted to take a break from football. He later returned to FSG in 2024 as technical director, working across the ownership group’s football operations. FSG president Mike Gordon believes Ward’s extensive knowledge of Liverpool made him the outstanding candidate to replace Hughes. “We are delighted that Julian has agreed to take over leadership of our football operations department at this juncture,” Gordon said. Gordon added that Ward’s appointment will ensure head coach Andoni Iraola receives the necessary support as Liverpool continue their latest rebuild. Iraola arrived from Bournemouth in June after Arne Slot was dismissed following an unsuccessful Premier League title defence. Liverpool’s senior structure has undergone further changes after Edwards left his position as FSG’s chief executive of football in July. Hughes then remained until the summer transfer window closed before formally leaving Liverpool on September 5. His final window included the club-record £123 million signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, alongside deals for Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz. Ward now assumes responsibility for overseeing Liverpool’s football operations and helping shape the squad around Iraola’s plans. “I am incredibly excited to take on this role,” Ward said. “Having been part of Liverpool’s football operation for more than a decade, I have a full appreciation and first-hand knowledge of the challenge that comes with the position.” Ward also described Liverpool as being in a period where “change and opportunity go hand in hand” but stressed that the club’s underlying principles remain intact. His immediate task will be working alongside Iraola and Liverpool’s existing recruitment structure as preparations begin for future transfer windows.