Julian Ward is reportedly expected to be appointed Liverpool’s new sporting director, succeeding Richard Hughes.
Hughes stepped down earlier this month after the summer transfer window closed, with Bradley Barcola among Liverpool’s headline signings.
Liverpool confirmed at the time: “The process of appointing a successor is under way and the outcome will be confirmed in due course.”
According to The Athletic, the ownership-led process is now nearing its conclusion, with Ward set to return for a second spell as sporting director after previously holding the role during the 2022-23 season.
Julian Ward has emerged as Liverpool’s preferred candidate following Hughes’ departure on September 5.
Hughes subsequently joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Liverpool fans will be familiar with Ward, who joined the club from Manchester City as European scouting manager for Spain and Portugal.
He later became loan pathways and football partnerships manager before being promoted to assistant sporting director in 2020, working alongside Michael Edwards. Ward succeeded Edwards as sporting director in 2022.
Although his spell in the role was brief, Ward oversaw the signings of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo. Diaz and Nunez have since left for Bayern Munich and Al-Hilal respectively, while Gakpo remains at Liverpool.
Ward informed FSG in November 2022 of his intention to leave at the end of the 2022-23 season. However, he stayed beyond his official departure date to help complete Alexis Mac Allister’s move from Brighton.
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