According to David Ornstein, a renowned journalist for The Athletic, Julian Ward, technical director of Fenway Sports Group (FSG), is set to be named Liverpool's new sporting director. This would mark Ward's second tenure as Liverpool's sporting director.

David Ornstein reported that Ward has become Liverpool's top choice for the position and that the appointment process is nearly complete.

The Athletic previously reported that Ward was likely to be the leading candidate to replace Richard Hughes after Hughes officially left Liverpool on 5 September. Hughes had served as Liverpool's sporting director for two and a half years before joining Saudi club Al Hilal with his 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 be the second time he holds the role.

Ward joined Liverpool from Manchester City in 2012, initially as a European scout covering Spain and Portugal, then as head of loans and football partnerships. In 2020, Ward was promoted to assistant sporting director, working alongside Michael Edwards. Following Edwards' departure from Liverpool in 2022, Ward became his successor. 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 finalized signings for several players, including Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, and Cody Gakpo. In summer 2023, even after formally 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 technical director of FSG, overseeing player development pathways and academy operations. FSG had initially planned for Ward to oversee football operations at another club it intended to acquire, but The Athletic reported in May that Liverpool's ownership group had abandoned plans to purchase a second football club.

Ward's return comes during a period of significant behind-the-scenes changes at Liverpool. In August, FSG confirmed it had sold nearly 40% of its stake in Premier League club Liverpool to a consortium including American billionaire and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Meanwhile, Michael Edwards stepped down as FSG's chief executive of football operations in July. Mark Burchill and Craig McKee, members of Liverpool's recruitment department, also left the club to join Richard Hughes at Al Hilal.

James Pearce, The Athletic's Liverpool correspondent, believes that Ward's appointment as Liverpool's new sporting director would bring stability to the club. He stated that following the departures of Edwards and Hughes, Liverpool's behind-the-scenes operations have undergone significant changes, and Ward's return could help the team maintain continuity.

Ward has already spent 13 years at Liverpool across two stints and has the backing of FSG president Mike Gordon. Gordon is currently overseeing the search for Hughes' successor and has assumed responsibility for the club's day-to-day operations following Edwards' departure. Currently, Liverpool is also in a transition period regarding ownership. A consortium led by Amit Bhatia reached a deal with FSG last month to acquire a 38% stake in Liverpool, pending regulatory approval.

James Pearce noted that Ward possesses extensive global connections and rich experience in transfer and contract negotiations. He is also highly familiar with the responsibilities of a sporting director, having previously served as Edwards' assistant and succeeding 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 model, Liverpool will have a clearer internal management structure.

Traduit par IA.

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