Julian Ward returns as Liverpool sporting director

Liverpool have appointed Julian Ward as sporting director, bringing him back to Anfield for a second spell. He replaces Richard Hughes, who held the role for just over two years before leaving in September.

Ward, 45, previously worked as sporting director during the 2022-23 season. He joined Liverpool in 2012 as European scouting manager for Spain and Portugal and was promoted to assistant sporting director in 2020. After taking over from Michael Edwards, it was confirmed by November 2022 that Ward would leave at the end of that season.

He returned in 2024 as Fenway Sports Group’s technical director, overseeing player development pathways and the academy for the last two years. Mike Gordon said: “We are delighted that Julian has agreed to take over leadership of our football operations department…”. He added that Ward’s experience should also help support Andoni Iraola as head coach.

As BBC Sport reports, Liverpool spoke to external candidates, but Ward was seen as the standout choice. The appointment comes after a summer of transition, and Ward’s priorities include new contracts: securing Rio Ngumoha on a long-term deal now that he is 18, and deciding whether to extend Alisson and Virgil van Dijk before their current deals expire this summer.