Julian Ward Returns as Liverpool Sporting Director After Hughes Exit

Liverpool have brought Julian Ward back as sporting director, returning him to the post he previously held in 2022-23 after Richard Hughes departed for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.

Key takeaways

• Ward resumes the sporting director role after leaving Liverpool in 2023 for personal reasons.
• He has remained within Fenway Sports Group’s wider structure as technical director.
• During his earlier spell leading recruitment, Ward oversaw deals for Darwin Núñez, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.
• Andoni Iraola will continue as Liverpool head coach, with Ward expected to support the coaching and football operations staff.
• The appointment comes amid scrutiny of Liverpool’s recent transfer work, including the British-record arrival of Alexander Isak in 2025.

Ward returns to lead football operations

Ward first joined Liverpool from Manchester City in 2012, initially taking responsibility for scouting across Spain and Portugal. He subsequently held positions overseeing loan pathways and football partnerships, before becoming assistant sporting director under Michael Edwards.

His first period as sporting director included the recruitment of Núñez, Mac Allister and Gakpo. Ward then left the club in 2023, citing personal reasons, but continued his association with the ownership group through his role as Fenway Sports Group technical director.

Hughes had taken charge of Liverpool’s sporting department after Jürgen Klopp’s departure. Having arrived from Bournemouth, he was involved in bringing in Arne Slot and Iraola before his exit to Al Hilal created the vacancy now filled by Ward.

FSG president Mike Gordon said Ward’s experience would strengthen the club’s football operation and give Iraola the backing required to build on his encouraging start as head coach. Gordon also described the return as the next step in a relationship that has served Liverpool well over many years.

Recruitment focus and support for Iraola

Ward said his more than 10 years within Liverpool’s football structure had given him a detailed understanding of both the scale of the job and the club’s expectations. He said Liverpool were entering a period in which change presented opportunity, while the principles and culture established at the club remained intact.

The sporting director added that Liverpool must sustain an environment designed to improve performances while continuing the development of players and staff. He pointed to the personnel across the AXA Training Centre, the Academy and AXA Melwood, alongside Iraola, as evidence that the club has the capability to progress.

Ward’s return places particular attention on Liverpool’s transfer planning. The club’s 2025 business included a British-record fee for Alexander Isak, whose impact has not yet matched the scale of that investment. Ward will now oversee the next phase of recruitment while building from the football operations work completed in recent seasons.