Liverpool announce new sporting director as Julian Ward returns for second spell

Liverpool have announced the return of Julian Ward as the club's sporting director. The 45-year-old replaces Richard Hughes following his move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal.

Ward previously held the position at Liverpool for the 2022-23 season and most recently worked as technical director for the club's owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG). He was Liverpool's preferred option and his appointment now been confirmed.

Ward's journey with Liverpool began in 2012 when he arrived from Manchester City, and was made European scouting manager for Spain and Portugal. He then took on the role of loan pathways and football partnerships manager before being promoted to assistant sporting director in 2020, working alongside Michael Edwards.

When Edwards departed Anfield in 2022, Ward stepped up to replace him. After six months in the position, however, he informed FSG of his intention to leave at the end of that season.

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Ward's signings included Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo. He also stayed beyond his official departure date in order to seal the deal with Brighton for Alexis Mac Allister.

His next post was with FSG, who planned to have Ward oversee football operations at another club as part of their multi-club strategy. But that plan was shelved when FSG decided not purchase a second side.

Speaking on his return to Anfield, Ward said: “I am incredibly excited to take on this role and it goes without saying that I am hugely grateful for the trust that has been placed in me by ownership.

“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, as well as a clear understanding of the demands and ambitions of this great club.

“This is an exciting period for Liverpool – on and off the pitch – in which change and opportunity go hand in hand, but at the same time the culture, values and principles that have underpinned the club for so long remain as strong as ever.

“As a football club, we will continue to create an environment that maximises performance while promoting the continued development of our players and our people.

“In Andoni, together with the wider team of staff across the AXA Training Centre, the Academy and AXA Melwood, we have the expertise, talent and conditions required to keep driving the club forward.

“Building on these strong foundations and the work overseen by our football operations in recent seasons is both a huge responsibility and a privilege.”

FSG president Mike Gordon added: “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.

“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.

“Julian’s appointment also represents the continuation of a long-standing relationship which has always served Liverpool well, and we very much look forward to the next stage in its development.”