Liverpool have appointed Julian Ward as sporting director, returning him to a role he previously held for one season in 2022-23, according to multiple outlets.
The move follows the departure of Richard Hughes, who left Liverpool for Al-Hilal, according to the Guardian and BBC News.
Ward had spent the past two years serving as technical director for Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool's owners, before taking up the sporting director post again, according to the Guardian.
Yahoo Sports reported that Ward takes up the position immediately, more than three years after he previously stepped down from the role.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Guardian noted that Liverpool's owners, FSG, moved swiftly to fill the sporting director position.
- Left-leaning coverage described the appointment as occurring amid broader upheaval in Liverpool's Anfield hierarchy.
- The Athletic outlined issues Ward will need to address in his new tenure as sporting director.
“Club’s owners FSG move swiftly to fill key post Move comes amid upheaval in Anfield hierarchy” — The Guardian
Center
- Center outlets reported Ward's appointment as a return to the sporting director role after more than three years.
- Yahoo Sports noted Ward takes up the position immediately.
- BBC News and other center outlets framed the move as Ward succeeding Richard Hughes directly.
“Julian Ward succeeds Richard Hughes as Liverpool sporting director” — BBC News
Questions readers ask
What happened at Liverpool?
Liverpool appointed Julian Ward as their new sporting director, replacing Richard Hughes, who left the club to join Al-Hilal.
Has Julian Ward held this role before?
Yes, Ward previously served as Liverpool's sporting director for one season in 2022-23 before stepping down.
What was Ward doing before returning to the role?
According to the Guardian, Ward spent the past two years working as technical director for Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool's owners.
Why did Richard Hughes leave Liverpool?
Sources report that Richard Hughes departed Liverpool to take up a position with Al-Hilal, though further details on his departure were not provided.
Sources · 9 outlet reports
- The GuardianLeft-leaningLiverpool rehire Julian Ward as sporting director to replace Richard Hughes
- The IndependentLeft-leaningLiverpool announce new sporting director after Richard Hughes exit
- The MirrorLeft-leaningLiverpool announce new sporting director as Julian Ward returns for second spell
- The New York TimesLeft-leaningThree big issues Julian Ward will need to resolve as Liverpool’s new sporting director - The Athletic
- Arab NewsCenterLiverpool appoint Ward as new sporting director
- BBC NewsCenterWard appointed Liverpool's sporting director
- CNACenterLiverpool bring back Ward as sporting director
- The Straits TimesCenterLiverpool bring back Ward as sporting director
- Yahoo SportsCenterLiverpool confirm new sporting director in official club announcement