Liverpool reappoint Julian Ward as sporting director to succeed Richard Hughes

Return to Anfield

Liverpool have appointed Julian Ward as their sporting director, bringing the 45-year-old executive back to the role he previously occupied during the 2022-23 season. Ward succeeds Richard Hughes, who vacated the post at the start of September to take up a leadership role with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal after two and a half years on Merseyside. The appointment marks Ward's second term leading the club's sporting operations, following a two-year spell serving as technical director for parent company Fenway Sports Group (FSG). Ward originally arrived at Liverpool in 2012 as European scouting manager for Spain and Portugal before rising through the recruitment hierarchy.

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.

Working alongside Andoni Iraola

Ward assumes immediate responsibility for football operations at Anfield, where his primary focus will involve supporting head coach Andoni Iraola. FSG president Mike Gordon led the swift recruitment process after Hughes departed and briefly stepped back into day-to-day oversight of football operations. Under Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot after the Dutch coach was dismissed following a fifth-place league finish last season, Liverpool currently sit sixth in the Premier League table with nine points from their opening five fixtures. Gordon stated that Ward's long-standing familiarity with the internal culture and development pathways at Liverpool makes him the ideal executive to partner with Iraola as the club targets squad improvements.

The knowledge and expertise he brings will only enhance our football operations, while also ensuring Andoni is provided with the support he requires as he continues to make such a positive impression as head coach.

Front office structure and ownership stake

The appointment provides executive continuity during a period of structural turnover across the club's leadership and ownership. Michael Edwards previously stepped down from his position as chief executive of football for FSG earlier in 2026, while Hughes exited shortly after the close of the summer transfer window. In his new position, Ward will direct operations in close coordination with assistant sporting director David Woodfine, chief scout Barry Hunter, and FSG director of football development Pedro Marques. These administrative moves run parallel to broader financial adjustments, as FSG reached a definitive agreement in August to sell a 38% minority stake in Liverpool to the 1892 Holdings consortium for £2 billion. The investment group, fronted by Amit Bhatia and backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, holds an option for a full takeover if FSG decides to sell its remaining controlling interest.

Past recruitment record and strategic duties

Ward's relationship with Liverpool spans more than 14 years across multiple technical roles, starting from his 2012 move after working with Manchester City and the Portuguese Football Federation. Promoted to assistant sporting director in 2020, he subsequently succeeded Edwards in 2022 and oversaw recruitment operations that delivered signings including Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Núñez, and Alexis Mac Allister before stepping away in 2023 for personal reasons. Rejoining FSG in 2024, Ward directed global talent strategy and youth progression across the academy, the AXA Training Centre, and AXA Melwood. His return restores stability to squad planning as Liverpool prepare for upcoming transfer windows under Iraola.