Liverpool confirm Julian Ward as new sporting director
Liverpool have announced an internal appointment, with Julian Ward stepping in as sporting director and the club long aware Richard Hughes would depart for Al-Hilal.
Liverpool have confirmed in a club statement on Saturday morning that Julian Ward has been appointed the club’s new sporting director.
Ben Jacobs reports that the decision aligns with an anticipated internal route and that Liverpool had been aware since early 2026 that Richard Hughes would leave for Al-Hilal.
The confirmation provides continuity in the club’s football leadership and clarifies the succession plan at the top of the sporting structure.
An internal appointment indicates Liverpool will lean on existing processes rather than embarking on an external search at this stage.
The club announcement also carried brief remarks from Ward expressing his excitement at taking on the role.
Further details of the appointment, such as contractual terms or start date, were not disclosed.