Liverpool reappoints Julian Ward as sporting director

Liverpool FC has named Julian Ward its sporting director for a second time, following the departure of Richard Hughes to Saudi club Al‑Hilal. Ward, who spent two years as Fenway Sports Group’s technical director, brings a decade of club experience and will work alongside the new head coach Andoni I…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 26 Sep 2026 10:34:54 GMT

Liverpool Football Club announced on Saturday that Julian Ward has been reinstated as the club’s sporting director, a role he previously held for the 2022‑23 season before stepping down for personal reasons. Ward’s return follows the exit of Richard Hughes, who left the position at the end of the summer transfer window to take up a role with Saudi Arabian side Al‑Hilal.

Who is Julian Ward?

Ward joined Liverpool in 2012, initially working on player development, recruitment and scouting. Over the past 14 years he has held a variety of positions, including European scouting manager, assistant sporting director and, most recently, the club’s sporting director for a single season. After stepping away from the role in 2023, he spent two years as the technical director for Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool’s ownership group, where he oversaw the club’s global talent strategy.

Why the swift appointment?

Richard Hughes’ departure created an immediate vacancy. Hughes had been in the role for two and a half years, steering transfers such as Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister and Darwin Núñez. With the summer transfer window closing, FSG president Mike Gordon led a rapid search and identified Ward as the ideal successor. Gordon highlighted Ward’s extensive knowledge of Liverpool’s operations and his ability to support head coach Andoni Iraola, who has been praised for his positive influence in the first months of his tenure.

Continuity amid change

The appointment comes at a time of significant upheaval. Hughes and former FSG chief executive of football Michael Edwards both exited the club this year. In parallel, FSG is in the process of selling a 38% stake to 1892 Holdings, a consortium led by Amit Bhatia and including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The consortium holds an option for a full takeover should FSG decide to sell the club entirely. Ward’s return is therefore seen as a stabilising move, ensuring that Liverpool’s football operations remain anchored by someone familiar with the club’s culture and long‑term strategy.

Ward’s role and responsibilities

As sporting director, Ward will oversee all football-related activities, working closely with assistant sporting director David Woodfine, chief scout Barry Hunter, FSG’s director of football development Pedro Marques and the senior leadership team led by Iraola. His responsibilities will include player recruitment, youth development, and the implementation of the club’s global talent acquisition strategy. Ward’s previous experience as technical director for FSG will aid in aligning the club’s on‑field ambitions with its broader organisational goals.

What’s next for Liverpool?

With Ward back at the helm of football operations, Liverpool aims to maintain momentum on and off the pitch. The club will continue to nurture its academy, expand its scouting network, and pursue high‑profile signings that fit its playing philosophy. Meanwhile, the ownership transition remains in progress, with the 1892 Holdings consortium poised to take a larger stake. The club’s leadership will need to balance short‑term performance with long‑term stability as it navigates these changes.

Unresolved questions

While Ward’s appointment provides continuity, several aspects remain uncertain. How will the new ownership structure influence transfer budgets and long‑term planning? Will Ward’s return signal a shift back to a more traditional, club‑centric approach to recruitment, or will the new consortium’s vision steer the club in a different direction? These questions will likely be answered as the season progresses and the new leadership team implements its strategy.

In summary, Liverpool’s decision to reappoint Julian Ward as sporting director underscores the club’s desire for stability amid a period of transition. With a seasoned professional at the helm of football operations, the club is positioned to continue its pursuit of success on the pitch while navigating the complexities of a changing ownership landscape.

Key facts

Julian Ward reinstated as sporting director after Richard Hughes leaves for Al‑Hilal
Ward previously served as Liverpool’s sporting director and FSG technical director
FSG president Mike Gordon led swift appointment to maintain stability
Ownership change underway: 38% stake sale to 1892 Holdings consortium
Ward will work closely with head coach Andoni Iraola and senior staff
Uncertain impact of new ownership on transfer budgets and long‑term plans

Why it matters

Julian Ward’s return brings seasoned leadership to Liverpool’s football operations during a pivotal ownership transition, ensuring continuity in player recruitment and club strategy.

Frequently asked questions

What prompted Julian Ward’s return to Liverpool?

Richard Hughes’ departure created an immediate vacancy, and FSG president Mike Gordon identified Ward as the ideal successor due to his extensive club experience and familiarity with the club’s culture.

Will the new ownership affect Liverpool’s transfer policy?

While the ownership transition is ongoing, the club’s leadership aims to balance short‑term performance with long‑term stability; specific changes to transfer policy will become clearer as the new structure takes effect.