Liverpool rehires Julian Ward as sporting director after Hughes departure
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 26, 2026, 8:42 AM
Last updated Sep 26, 2026
Liverpool has appointed Julian Ward as their sporting director, marking his return to the role after previously serving during the 2022-23 season. The move follows the departure of Richard Hughes to Al-Hilal. Ward has spent the last two years as technical director for Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's owners. He is tasked with making critical decisions regarding key players such as Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, as well as scouting potential new signings.
- •Julian Ward rejoins Liverpool as sporting director after Richard Hughes' exit.
- •Ward previously held the position for one season in 2022-23.
- •He has been working with Fenway Sports Group for the last two years.
- •Ward will focus on player futures, including Van Dijk and Alisson.
- •Liverpool's ownership aims to stabilize leadership amid ongoing upheaval.
- 9:26 AMESPN Soccer — Who is Liverpool's new sporting director Julian Ward and what does he need to do?
- 8:20 AMThe Guardian Sport — Liverpool rehire Julian Ward as sporting director to replace Richard Hughes
"Club’s owners FSG move swiftly to fill key post Move comes amid upheaval in Anfield hierarchy Liverpool have appointed Julian Ward as their sporting director for a second time following the departure of Richard Hughes to Al-Hilal. Ward, who was Liverpool’s sporting director for one season in 2022-23, has returned to the role after spending the past two years as technical director for Fenway Sports Group, the club’s owners. Continue reading...
"Julian Ward has been appointed as Liverpool's sporting director and he'll need to decide the futures of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, as well as targeting new faces.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerSep 26, 2026, 9:26 AMWho is Liverpool's new sporting director Julian Ward and what does he need to do?
Julian Ward has been appointed as Liverpool's sporting director and he'll need to decide the futures of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, as well as targeting new faces.
- The Guardian SportSep 26, 2026, 8:20 AMLiverpool rehire Julian Ward as sporting director to replace Richard Hughes
Club’s owners FSG move swiftly to fill key post Move comes amid upheaval in Anfield hierarchy Liverpool have appointed Julian Ward as their sporting director for a second time following the departure of Richard Hughes to Al-Hilal. Ward, who was Liverpool’s sporting director for one season in 2022-23, has returned to the role after spending the past two years as technical director for Fenway Sports Group, the club’s owners. Continue reading...
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