Liverpool reappoint Julian Ward as sporting director after Hughes exits for Al-Hilal

Liverpool have reappointed Julian Ward as sporting director for a second time following the departure of Richard Hughes to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, the club confirmed on Saturday morning.

Hughes moved to Al-Hilal at the start of the month after two and a half years in the role, adding to the executive upheaval at Anfield after the end-of-season departure of Michael Edwards, who was the chief executive of football for the club’s owner, Fenway Sports Group.

Ward was previously Liverpool’s sporting director for the 2022-23 season but stepped down at the end of the campaign for personal reasons. He has spent the past two years as FSG’s technical director, and his association with the club stretches back more than 14 years, having joined from Manchester City in 2012 and held roles including scout in Iberia, loans manager and assistant sporting director.

FSG president Mike Gordon, who oversaw the search for a new sporting director, said: “The knowledge and expertise he [Ward] brings will only enhance our football operations, while also ensuring Andoni [Iraola] is provided with the support he requires as he continues to make such a positive impression as head coach.”

Ward added: “This is an exciting period for Liverpool — on and off the pitch — in which change and opportunity go hand in hand, but at the same time the culture, values and principles that have underpinned the club for so long remain as strong as ever.”

The appointment comes as FSG is in the process of selling a 38 per cent stake in the club to 1892 Holdings, a consortium headed by Amit Bhatia that includes the Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, in a deal reported to be worth more than £2 billion.

Sources

• The Times — Liverpool reappoint Julian Ward as sporting director
• The Guardian — Liverpool rehire Julian Ward as sporting director to replace Richard Hughes
• This Is Anfield — Julian Ward Confirmed as New Liverpool Sporting Director