Liverpool bring Julian Ward back as sporting director

Liverpool have reappointed Julian Ward as sporting director following Richard Hughes’ departure from the role.

The 45-year-old returns to the position after previously succeeding Michael Edwards in 2022. His first spell lasted around a year, and he announced midway through the 2022-23 campaign that he would leave the post.

Ward later joined Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) as a technical director in 2024, having spent more than a decade working within the club’s football operation.

During his initial period as sporting director at Anfield, Ward was involved in several significant deals, including the signings of Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister.

Hughes resigned from Liverpool before moving to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. The former Scotland international’s exit was linked to his expected switch to the Saudi side.

Ward will now take back responsibility for Liverpool’s sporting operations after his time working within FSG.

“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,” 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, 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 Iraola, 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.”