Ward appointed Liverpool's sporting director

What the report says

Liverpool have appointed Julian Ward as the club’s sporting director, bringing him back to the role after Richard Hughes departed in September. BBC Sport reports that Ward, 45, is taking the post for a second time, having previously served as sporting director during the 2022-23 season.

Ward is a long-serving figure at Anfield. He first joined Liverpool in 2012 as European scouting manager for Spain and Portugal, later became assistant sporting director, and then stepped up to sporting director after Michael Edwards moved on. He left the club at the end of that season, but returned in 2024 as Fenway Sports Group’s technical director, where he has spent the past two years overseeing player development pathways and the academy.

The club’s ownership said it believes Ward is well suited to lead football operations because of his experience at Liverpool and across the wider game. BBC Sport also noted that Liverpool explored other options, but Ward was seen internally as the strongest candidate. The appointment comes during a period of change in the club’s football structure, making continuity and stability important as Liverpool manage recruitment, contract decisions and longer-term squad planning.

In a wider football context, the sporting director role typically sits between the ownership, coaching staff and recruitment department, helping shape transfers and strategy. Ward’s return suggests Liverpool want someone already familiar with the club’s systems and decision-making process rather than a complete reset.