Liverpool make huge announcement as owners FSG confirm key decision
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Liverpool have confirmed their new sporting director after Richard Hughes departed Anfield earlier in the month 09:03, Sat, Sep 26, 2026 Updated: 09:22, Sat, Sep 26, 2026 Liverpool have appointed Julian Ward as sporting director (Image: Liverpool)Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Julian Ward as their new sporting director. Ward replaces Richard Hughes, who departed Anfield after just two years in at the club, for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.Ward is set to head up the club's football operation for a second time, with the help of assistant sporting director David Woodfine, chief scout Barry Hunter and FSG director of football development Pedro Marques.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. More Info.The new sporting director has previously served as technical director for Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's owners.
He has had an oversight of Liverpool's global talent strategy and had a focus on recruiting outstanding young players for the club's academy.Ward previously served as assistant sporting director to Michael Edwards and briefly took the role of sporting director for a single season in 2022. Ward is excited to take on a 'huge responsibility'.“I am incredibly excited to take on this role, and it goes without saying that I am hugely grateful for the trust that has been placed in me by ownership," Ward said following the announcement.“Having been part of Liverpool’s football operation for more than a decade, I have a full appreciation and first-hand knowledge of the challenge that comes with the position, as well as a clear understanding of the demands and ambitions of this great club.“This is an exciting period for Liverpool – on and off the pitch – in which change and opportunity go hand in hand, but at the same time the culture, values and principles that have underpinned the club for so long remain as strong as ever.“As a football club, we will continue to create an environment that maximises performance while promoting the continued development of our players and our people.“In Andoni, together with the wider team of staff across the AXA Training Centre, the Academy and AXA Melwood, we have the expertise, talent and conditions required to keep driving the club forward.“Building on these strong foundations and the work overseen by our football operations in recent seasons is both a huge responsibility and a privilege.”FSG believe they have promoted their 'ideal' candidate, having also looked externally to fill the position.FSG president Mike Gordon said: “We are delighted that Julian has agreed to take over leadership of our football operations department at this juncture, primarily because it is a role for which we believe he is the ideal candidate given his extensive experience of the football industry in general and Liverpool Football Club in particular.“The knowledge and expertise he brings will only enhance our football operations, while also ensuring Andoni [Iraola] is provided with the support he requires as he continues to make such a positive impression as head coach.“Julian’s appointment also represents the continuation of a long-standing relationship which has always served Liverpool well, and we very much look forward to the next stage in its development.”