Liverpool announce Julian Ward as new sporting director to replace Richard Hughes after £240m summer spend

· DailyMail

Hughes' departure had been the latest in a string of high-ranking executives to leave the club in recent months. Michael Edwards had earlier exited as CEO of football for Liverpool owner FSG.

Liverpool have appointed Julian Ward as their new sporting director to replace Richard Hughes, who left to join Saudi club Al-Hilal.

Ward had held the sporting director job at the Premier League club during the 2022-23 season and most recently served as Fenway Sports Group's (FSG) technical director.

Hughes's departure had been the latest in a string of high-ranking executives to leave the club in recent months. Michael Edwards had earlier exited as CEO of football for Liverpool owner FSG.

The 2026 summer transfer window was Hughes's final at Liverpool, in which the Reds spent around £240million. His contract was set to expire in 2027.

'I'll always follow and support the club with great affection, and I wish everyone involved nothing but success for this season and beyond,' said Hughes in a statement following news of his departure.

He signed the likes of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak in his time at the club, which he joined following the departure of Jurgen Klopp a little over two years ago.

Ward, meanwhile, signed the likes of Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister during his first stint at Anfield.

'The knowledge and expertise he 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,' FSG president Mike Gordon said in the club's announcement.

Ward added: '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.'

Ward initially joined Liverpool in 2012, working in scouting, recruitment and player development strategy.

He was promoted to assistant sporting director in 2020 and succeeded Michael Edwards in 2022, but left at the end of the season.

He became FSG's technical director in 2024 when Edwards was made their chief executive of football, and will now step into the role vacated by Hughes.

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