David Ornstein Announces Liverpool’s New Sporting Director After Richard Hughes Exit

Julian Ward is reportedly close to returning to Liverpool as sporting director, with the club looking to fill the vacancy created by Richard Hughes’ departure to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The potential move was first reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, while further reports suggest the details could be finalised soon.
Ward is already familiar with the position, having served as Liverpool’s sporting director during the 2022/23 season after Michael Edwards initially stepped away from the role. Since leaving the frontline position, Ward has worked as technical director for Fenway Sports Group, remaining involved with the club’s recruitment structure.
Hughes’ departure has created significant changes within Liverpool’s football department. Recruitment staff Mark Burchill and Craig McKee also followed Hughes to Al-Hilal, leaving Liverpool with important vacancies in its scouting and recruitment team just months before the January transfer window.
The changes come after several years of movement within FSG’s football leadership. Edwards returned to FSG in 2024 as chief executive of football but departed again in the summer of 2026, with Hughes subsequently becoming the senior figure in football operations before his move to Saudi Arabia.
Liverpool’s ownership has also changed, with the 1892 Holdings consortium, led by Amit Bhatia and involving Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, acquiring a 38 per cent stake in the club while FSG continues to retain control.
Ward’s possible return would therefore come at an important time. His previous experience with Liverpool’s data-driven recruitment model means he is familiar with the club’s approach and could help rebuild the recruitment department before January.
For manager Andoni Iraola, resolving the sporting director situation would provide greater clarity as Liverpool prepare for the winter transfer window. However, Liverpool have not officially confirmed Ward’s appointment, with reports currently indicating that he is close to taking the role rather than having formally returned.