Liverpool evaluates internal candidates for sporting director role
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 2:50 PM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Liverpool continues its search for a new sporting director following the departure of Richard Hughes. Club analysts have identified Pedro Marques as a potential candidate for the position, citing his extensive experience with youth development and multi-club structures. While Marques holds an influential role as FSG director of football development, discussions persist regarding whether a move to sporting director would represent the best use of his specialized expertise. Analysts suggest his success in integrating youth talent into senior squads is a vital asset that the club should retain regardless of his formal title. Other potential candidates within the club hierarchy include Julian Ward and David Woodfine. The organization must now decide whether to appoint an internal successor from within the current football operations staff or look to external options to fill the leadership vacancy.
- •Liverpool is seeking a successor to departing sporting director Richard Hughes.
- •Pedro Marques is considered a top candidate for the vacancy due to his reputation in youth development.
- •Analysts suggest Marques is highly effective in his current technical director role.
- •Julian Ward and David Woodfine are also potential internal candidates for the position.
- •The club is prioritizing the retention of key personnel during this leadership transition.
- 2:50 PMYahoo Sports — FSG employee hailed genius has to be retained regardless of Liverpool appointment
"Hughes Successor Ready Made In House?Liverpool’s search for a new sporting director inevitably encourages a discussion about promotion. Find the smartest person within the building, give them greate...
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