Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Julian Ward as their new sporting director.
Ward previously held the role during the 2022-23 season and was responsible for the signings of Darwin Núñez, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.
He stepped down due to personal reasons. Richard Hughes took over as sporting director after joining from Bournemouth in the period after Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool exit. Hughes brought in Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola but left to join Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
Now the role has been reoccupied by Ward who left the club in 2023 but has since worked as Fenway Sports Group's technical director.
FSG president Mike Gordon told club media: "The knowledge and expertise Julian 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.
"Julian's appointment also represents the continuation of a long-standing relationship which has always served Liverpool well, and we very much look forward to the next stage in its development."
"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," Ward said.
"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.
"As a football club, we will continue to create an environment that maximises performance while promoting the continued development of our players and our people.
"In Andoni, together with the wider team of staff across the AXA Training Centre, the Academy and AXA Melwood, we have the expertise, talent and conditions required to keep driving the club forward.
"Building on these strong foundations and the work overseen by our football operations in recent seasons is both a huge responsibility and a privilege."
Ward originally joined Liverpool from Manchester City in 2012 in a role to manage the scouting of Spain and Portugal. Other jobs he held at Liverpool include loan pathways and football partnerships manager and assistant sporting director to Michael Edwards.
His newest role, however, is the most significant at a time when the spotlight is on Liverpool's transfer business. Their 2025 window, which included the British record signing of Alexander Isak, which is yet to pay off.
