Liverpool have begun the search for a new sporting director following Richard Hughes’ departure from the club, with former sporting director Julian Ward emerging as one of the candidates under consideration.
Hughes officially stepped down after two years at Anfield, having joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in 2024 and played a key role in the club’s recruitment during a period of significant change.
His departure comes immediately after the summer transfer window, leaving Liverpool to decide whether to promote from within or appoint a new sporting director from outside the club.
Julian Ward among candidates for Liverpool sporting director role
According to The Athletic, Julian Ward is among the internal candidates being considered by Liverpool as the club assesses its options.
Ward already has extensive experience at Anfield. He spent more than a decade working for Liverpool before succeeding Michael Edwards as sporting director in 2022.
That familiarity could make him an attractive option for the club. Ward understands Liverpool’s recruitment structure, FSG’s ownership model and the demands that come with overseeing the club’s sporting operation.
Liverpool are also understood to be considering assistant sporting director David Woodfine and FSG director of football development Pedro Marques. An external appointment has not been ruled out.
In the short term, Liverpool believe Hughes’ responsibilities can be covered by a number of senior figures, including Ward, Woodfine, Marques, chief scout Barry Hunter and head coach Andoni Iraola, while the search for a permanent replacement continues.
Ward could provide Liverpool with continuity
With another important position becoming vacant behind the scenes, continuity could be one of Liverpool’s priorities.
The club has already undergone considerable change, while Iraola is still settling into his role as head coach. Bringing Ward back into a senior position would therefore provide Liverpool with someone who already knows the organisation and its recruitment processes.
Ward also has established relationships within FSG and would not need a lengthy adjustment period before taking on the responsibilities of the role.
However, Liverpool should not automatically turn to a familiar face simply because he has previous experience at the club.
The Reds could benefit from an external appointment capable of introducing new ideas and a different perspective, particularly after a summer in which questions remained over the depth of the squad despite significant spending.
Whoever succeeds Hughes will inherit several major decisions, including the long-term development of Liverpool’s attack and potential reinforcements in midfield and at full-back.
For now, Ward appears to be one of the leading internal options as Liverpool weigh up the best way to move forward.
