Liverpool are actively working on appointing a new sporting director following the departure of Richard Hughes. According to Sky Sports News, the club are seriously considering Julian Ward, who currently holds the position of technical director at Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG).
At this stage, the club's hierarchy has yet to finalise its structure. Liverpool are also discussing the potential of bringing in another specialist to work alongside Ward, possibly as a co-sporting director or technical director.
Ward already works with FSG
Julian Ward is well-acquainted with Liverpool's setup, given his current role as technical director within the FSG structure.
Sky Sports have reported that his candidacy is being taken very seriously in the search for Liverpool's new sporting director.
Meanwhile, the club's hierarchy is exploring different options and considering what the sporting management structure should look like.
Hughes has departed Liverpool
Richard Hughes left his role as Liverpool's sporting director earlier this month to take up a position with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Hughes was involved in appointing Andoni Iraola as the team's head coach.
Now, Liverpool are weighing up several candidates for the leadership positions. One potential option mentioned is Lee Dykes, the technical director at Brentford.
Discussions and negotiations are taking place at multiple levels—both within the club and the FSG structure.
Liverpool are discussing a new management model
A key issue for the club is not only who will become the new sporting director but also what the overall management structure will entail.
They're considering a model where the new sporting director would collaborate with another specialist, which could be a co-sporting director or a technical director.
No final decision has been made just yet.
Transfer policy also needs evaluation
The search for a new leader comes against the backdrop of mixed results from recent transfer windows.
Liverpool have made several significant investments, and one of the main goals this season has been to get the best return from three high-profile signings from 2025—Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike, the latter currently sidelined due to injury.
Before the start of the current season, the club also brought in seven players, including Bradley Barcola, Victor Munoz, Luka Brujmans, Jillian N'Gessan, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, and Ronald Araujo, who is on loan from Barcelona.
Additionally, Jeremy Doku has fully transitioned to Liverpool following an initial loan spell.
Against this backdrop, the appointment of a new sporting director is set to be one of the club's most crucial decisions in the near future.
