Julian Ward, technical director at Fenway Sports Group (FSG), is expected to be appointed as Liverpool's new sporting director, according to David Ornstein, a renowned journalist for The Athletic. This will be Ward's second tenure as Liverpool's sporting director.

David Ornstein stated that Ward has been the leading candidate for the position at Liverpool, and the appointment process is underway and nearing completion.

The Athletic previously reported that Ward was likely to be the main contender to replace Richard Hughes after Hughes officially departed Liverpool on September 5. Hughes had served as Liverpool's sporting director for two and a half years before joining Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal alongside former colleague Simon Francis. Ward, 45, previously served as Liverpool's sporting director during the 2022/23 season. If this appointment is finalized, it will mark the second time he has held this role.

Ward joined Liverpool from Manchester City in 2012, initially as the club's European talent scout covering Spain and Portugal, and later as head of loan pathways and football partnerships. In 2020, Ward was promoted to assistant sporting director, working alongside Michael Edwards. After Edwards left Liverpool in 2022, Ward replaced him as sporting director. In November 2022, Liverpool confirmed that Ward had informed FSG of his intention to leave the club after the 2022/23 season.

During his tenure as sporting director, Ward oversaw the signings of several players, including Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, and Cody Gakpo. In the summer of 2023, after officially stepping down, he continued to assist the club in completing the transfer of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton.

In 2024, shortly after Edwards returned to FSG, Ward was appointed as technical director at FSG, overseeing player development pathways and academy-related operations. FSG initially planned for Ward to oversee football operations at other clubs they wished to acquire, but The Athletic reported in May that Liverpool's ownership group postponed plans to acquire a second football club.

Ward's return is expected to occur during a period of continued transition behind the scenes at Liverpool. In August, FSG confirmed that it had sold nearly 40% of its stake in Premier League club Liverpool to a consortium that includes American billionaire and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Meanwhile, Michael Edwards stepped down as FSG's Chief Football Operations Officer in July. Mark Burchill and Craig McKee, members of Liverpool's recruitment department, have also left the club to join Richard Hughes at Al Hilal.

James Pearce, Liverpool correspondent for The Athletic, believes that appointing Ward as Liverpool's new sporting director will bring stability to the club. He stated that following Edwards' and Hughes' departures, Liverpool has undergone significant changes behind the scenes, and Ward's return will help the team maintain continuity.

Ward has served Liverpool for 13 years across two tenures and has the backing of FSG chairman Mike Gordon. Gordon is currently responsible for finding Hughes' successor and has resumed overseeing the club's day-to-day operations following Edwards' departure. Liverpool is also currently in a transitional phase at the ownership level. A consortium led by Amit Bhatia reached a deal with FSG last month to acquire 38% of Liverpool's shares, which is currently awaiting regulatory approval.

James Pearce noted that Ward possesses extensive global connections and rich experience in transfer and contract negotiations. He is also well acquainted with the responsibilities of a sporting director, having previously served as Edwards' assistant and replaced him as Liverpool's sporting director in 2022. However, Ward's previous tenure as sporting director lasted only one season. At that time, due to Jürgen Klopp's significant influence as head coach, the sporting director's responsibilities were somewhat limited. Now, with the establishment of a head coach structure, Liverpool will have a clearer internal management hierarchy.

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