Liverpool have confirmed Julian Ward as their new sporting director following Richard Hughes' departure for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Ward returns to a position he previously held during the 2022/23 season, having most recently worked as technical director for Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group.
His appointment brings another significant change behind the scenes at Anfield following a period which has seen several senior executives leave the club.
Ward replaces Hughes after £240m Liverpool summer
Hughes left Liverpool despite having a contract running until 2027, bringing an end to his spell at Anfield a little over two years after arriving following Jurgen Klopp's departure.
His final transfer window was an expensive one.
Liverpool spent around £240million during the summer of 2026, with Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak among the major additions made during Hughes' tenure.
Hughes said following his departure that he would continue to follow and support Liverpool "with great affection".
His exit followed another major change within FSG's football structure, with Michael Edwards having previously left his position as CEO of football.
Julian Ward returns to familiar Liverpool role
Ward represents a familiar appointment for Liverpool.
He initially joined the club in 2012 and worked across scouting, recruitment and player development before becoming assistant sporting director in 2020.
Ward then succeeded Edwards as sporting director in 2022 and was involved in deals for players including Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister before leaving at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
He returned to the FSG structure as technical director in 2024 and has now been handed responsibility for Liverpool's sporting operation once again.
FSG president Mike Gordon believes Ward's knowledge and experience will strengthen the club's football structure while providing head coach Andoni Iraola with the support he needs.
Ward described it as an "exciting period" for Liverpool and acknowledged that the club is going through a period where change and opportunity are arriving together.
His immediate challenge will be helping Liverpool build on a huge summer of investment while providing stability following the departures of Hughes and Edwards.
Key Points
- Liverpool have appointed Julian Ward as their new sporting director.
- Ward replaces Richard Hughes, who has joined Al-Hilal.
- Hughes oversaw around £240m of spending during the 2026 summer transfer window.
- Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak were among the major signings during Hughes' spell.
- Ward previously served as Liverpool sporting director during the 2022/23 season.
- He returned to FSG as technical director in 2024.
- Ward will work closely with Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
What’s Next?
Ward will now take control of Liverpool's sporting operation as the club begins planning beyond its £240m summer rebuild.
His existing knowledge of Liverpool and FSG should make the transition relatively straightforward, but attention will quickly turn towards recruitment strategy and the January transfer window.
Working alongside Iraola will also be crucial as Liverpool attempt to ensure their substantial investment translates into success on the pitch.
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