Liverpool owners choose Julian Ward to replace Richard Hughes

In the quiet of the Anfield boardroom, senior officials gathered around a glossy table, the echo of past signings still lingering in the air, as they prepared to name the club’s next sporting director.

Majority owners of Liverpool, the Fenway Sports Group, have decided to recruit from within, selecting Julian Ward to fill the vacancy left by Richard Hughes.

Hughes left his role earlier this month, opting to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal after two years at Anfield, during which he oversaw the big‑money arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola.

His departure followed that of Michael Edwards, who stepped down as chief executive officer of football of FSG back in July.

FSG scoured the market for a replacement before concluding that an internal appointment would best preserve continuity.

Ward's rise through Liverpool's ranks

Julian Ward has held a variety of roles at the club since 2012, beginning as European scouting manager for Spain and Portugal, then moving to loan pathways manager and later assistant sporting director.

Following Edwards’ exit in 2022, Ward was promoted to sporting director, but he stepped down at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

He re‑joined FSG in 2024, overseeing player‑development pathways and the academy, and now returns to Anfield as sporting director.

Ward's previous impact on the transfer market

During his short‑lived first stint as sporting director, Ward oversaw the signings of Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, and was instrumental in securing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton.

The reshuffle means David Woodfine will remain Liverpool’s assistant sporting director, working under Ward, while Pedro Marques, another candidate and close colleague, stays as FSG’s director of football development. FSG also spoke to external candidates, including Brentford technical director Lee Dykes and Bournemouth president of football Tiago Pinto, before turning decisively to Ward.