Overview
- Liverpool confirmed on Saturday, September 26, 2026 that Julian Ward is the club's new sporting director, returning to the role he previously held in 2022–23.
- Ownership favoured an internal appointment to provide stability after recent front‑office turnover and to give head coach Andoni Iraola immediate support.
- Ward inherits clear short‑term tasks including reinforcing midfield depth, exploring right‑back options, and negotiating renewals for senior players with contracts nearing expiry.
- Several outlets report Ward may revisit past targets, with Aurelien Tchouameni named as a reported interest, though those reports note his Real Madrid deal to 2031 would make a move difficult and unconfirmed.
- The appointment follows Richard Hughes’s departure to Al‑Hilal and takes place while FSG retains operational control and progresses a pending minority stake sale that changes the club's wider governance.