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Liverpool rehires Julian Ward as sporting director
Liverpool have reappointed Julian Ward as sporting director to succeed Richard Hughes, who joined Saudi club Al-Hilal. Ward, who previously held the role in 2022-23 and most recently served as technical director for Fenway Sports Group, returns during a period of executive departures and incoming investment at the club.
Quick Facts
- Julian Ward reappointed as sporting director
- Richard Hughes departed to Al-Hilal
- Ward worked as technical director for Fenway Sports Group
- FSG selling 38% stake to 1892 Holdings
- Michael Edwards exited as CEO of football
Liverpool have reappointed Julian Ward as sporting director, replacing Richard Hughes who departed for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. Ward, 45, held the role during the 2022-23 season before stepping away for personal reasons; he has spent the past two years as technical director for Fenway Sports Group, the club's owners.
The appointment was led by FSG president Mike Gordon following Hughes's exit after two and a half years at Anfield. Ward brings 14 years of experience at Liverpool across roles including European scouting manager, assistant sporting director, and sporting director. During his previous spell, the club signed Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister, and Darwin Núñez, though then-manager Jürgen Klopp had significant input on transfers following Michael Edwards's departure.
Ward's return occurs during significant change at Liverpool. Michael Edwards, former chief executive of football at FSG, exited this year alongside Hughes. In parallel, FSG is in the process of selling a 38% stake to 1892 Holdings for £2 billion; the consortium, fronted by Amit Bhatia and including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, holds an option for full ownership if FSG opts to sell.
In his role as FSG's technical director, Ward oversaw global talent strategy that resulted in several young prospects joining Liverpool this year. He will now lead football operations alongside assistant sporting director David Woodfine, chief scout Barry Hunter, FSG's director of football development Pedro Marques, and head coach Andoni Iraola's senior leadership team. Gordon cited Ward's "extensive knowledge of the club and of squad planning" as invaluable during the transition.
Why This Matters
Liverpool's sporting director role directly oversees player recruitment and squad planning; Ward's appointment resolves a vacancy created by Hughes's departure and occurs during FSG's 38% ownership stake sale to 1892 Holdings (led by Amit Bhatia, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos), which carries an option for full ownership. Ward's return stabilizes football operations after the exits of CEO Michael Edwards and Hughes, both within the past two years, during a transitional period for the club's ownership and leadership structure.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2012
WireJulian Ward initially joined Liverpool in scouting, recruitment, and player development
Sep 26, 2026
WireLiverpool reappointed Julian Ward as sporting director; announcement made public