Liverpool Football Club have announced that Julian Ward has been appointed as the club’s sporting director, taking over from Richard Hughes following his departure in September after just over two years in the post.
The move marks Ward’s second spell in the role at Anfield, having previously served during the 2022/23 campaign.
Ward first arrived at Anfield in 2012 as European scouting manager for Spain and Portugal before being promoted to assistant sporting director in 2020. He succeeded Michael Edwards as sporting director two years later, though his departure at the end of that season was confirmed by November 2022.
In 2024, Ward rejoined the fold as technical director for Fenway Sports Group when the owners appointed Edwards as chief executive of football and Hughes as the new sporting director. Over the past two years, Ward has overseen the academy and player development across the organisation.
“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,” said FSG president Mike Gordon.
“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.”
Ward had been the favourite to take on the roll when Hughes left. He is seen by the board as a ‘safe pair of hands’ and someone who will be able to steady the ship after 18 months of upheaval and big money signings.
Time will tell whether it’s been a shrewd move by FSG.
