Liverpool appoint Julian Ward as sporting director

Liverpool have confirmed Julian Ward’s appointment as sporting director, replacing Richard Hughes, who left the role to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. The club said the appointment would strengthen its football operations and support head coach Andoni Iraola. Ward, a former Fenway Sports Group technical director, returns to a position he previously held at Liverpool. His association with the club began in 2012, and he later served as assistant sporting director before taking the top role for the 2022-23 season, according to one account. He left at the end of that season and subsequently worked for FSG. FSG president Mike Gordon said Ward’s knowledge and expertise would enhance the club’s football operations and help provide Iraola with the support he needs. Gordon also described the appointment as a continuation of a longstanding relationship between Ward and the club’s ownership. Journalist Ben Jacobs separately reported that Liverpool remains confident in Iraola. That account also said the decision to appoint Ward was driven by Gordon, who had resumed day-to-day oversight after Michael Edwards’ departure.