Sports
Liverpool rehire Julian Ward as sporting director to replace Richard Hughes
September 26, 2026 at 08:55 AM
Coverage
3 reports · 1 in Arabic, 2 in English · over 48 hours
YKYalla Kora
رسميا.. جوليان وارد مديرا رياضيا لليفربول
(opens the publisher’s site)
TGThe Guardian
Liverpool rehire Julian Ward as sporting director to replace Richard Hughes
(opens the publisher’s site)
ESESPN
Who is Liverpool's new sporting director Julian Ward and what does he need to do?
(opens the publisher’s site)Liverpool have appointed Julian Ward as sporting director for a second time, replacing Richard Hughes, who left for Saudi club Al-Hilal.
- Liverpool announced Ward's appointment, effective immediately, replacing Richard Hughes, who departed for Saudi club Al-Hilal.
- Ward, 45, previously served as sporting director in 2022-23 and spent the past two years as technical director for Fenway Sports Group.
- FSG president Mike Gordon said Ward's experience would strengthen the club's football operations and support head coach Andoni Iraola.
- The appointment follows the departures of Hughes and Michael Edwards, with Fenway Sports Group selling a 38% stake in the club to 1892 Holdings for £2bn.
- Ward's immediate priorities include deciding the futures of out-of-contract Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker and filling gaps at right back and right wing.