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Liverpool Football Club has appointed Julian Ward as its new sporting director, replacing Richard Hughes, who left the role earlier this month.
Ward most recently served as technical director at Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the US-based majority owners of Liverpool.
FSG president Mike Gordon said Ward’s experience and knowledge of the club’s football operations would strengthen the department and help provide head coach Andoni Iraola with the support he needs.
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“The knowledge and expertise Julian brings will only enhance our football operations, while also ensuring (head coach) Andoni (Iraola) is provided with the support he requires as he continues to make such a positive impression as head coach,” Mike Gordon said on Saturday.
Ward first joined Liverpool FC in 2012, working on scouting, recruitment and player development before taking on senior roles within the club’s football structure.
He said his more than 10 years at Liverpool FC had given him a clear understanding of the demands of the sporting director’s role and the ambitions of the club.
“Having been part of Liverpool’s football operation for more than a decade, I have a full appreciation and first-hand knowledge of the challenge that comes with the position, as well as a clear understanding of the demands and ambitions of this great club,” he said.
Hughes’ departure came weeks after Michael Edwards stepped down as Liverpool’s chief executive of football.
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During his two-year tenure as sporting director, Hughes oversaw Liverpool’s biggest-ever spending spree in a summer transfer window last year, with the club signing players including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike for a combined £450 million ($611 million).
Hughes was also part of the leadership team during Arne Slot’s time as manager, when Liverpool won a record-equalling 20th English league title in the 2024/25 season.
Last month, FSG sold almost 40 per cent of its stake in Liverpool to a consortium that included Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
