Liverpool fans have been reacting after it emerged that Julian Ward is expected to be appointed as the club’s new sporting director.
The Athletic’s highly-respected David Ornstein reported on Tuesday that the 45-year-old Englishman is expected to succeed Richard Hughes and become Liverpool’s most senior sporting executive.
Ornstein stressed that the ownership-led process has not yet officially closed, but said it is now “drawing towards conclusion”.
🚨 Julian Ward expected to be appointed Liverpool sporting director. 45yo Englishman preferred option to succeed Richard Hughes & become most senior #LFC sporting executive; ownership-led process not closed but now drawing towards conclusion @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/5g5IBMQnr5
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 22, 2026
It would see Ward return to a very familiar role, having previously succeeded Michael Edwards as Liverpool sporting director in 2022 before leaving the club at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Ward then returned to the Fenway Sports Group setup in 2024 as technical director, working across FSG’s football operations.
During his previous time within Liverpool’s recruitment operation, Ward was involved in a number of major transfers and was credited with playing an important role in deals including Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister.
However, the prospect of Liverpool turning to Ward again appears to have left some supporters underwhelmed.
Liverpool considered external candidates
That’s partly because the club had reportedly considered a number of candidates from outside Anfield following Hughes’ departure.
BBC Sport reported that Liverpool had spoken to potential candidates including Brentford technical director Lee Dykes, while Brentford sporting director Phil Giles had also been admired.
Liverpool were also reported to have several internal options, including Ward, David Woodfine, Pedro Marques and Matt Newberry.
Reports have additionally suggested Liverpool could make a second senior appointment alongside Ward, meaning further changes to the recruitment structure may yet follow.
Hughes left Liverpool earlier this month after two years as sporting director to take up the same position with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Liverpool fans react to Julian Ward news
Judging by the immediate reaction to Ornstein’s update, plenty of Liverpool supporters had been hoping Hughes’ replacement would bring a completely fresh approach.
One fan wrote: “You are back again but please we need good signings this time around.”
Another said: “Fellow reds I’m slightly lost are we hopeful for this orrr?”
A third added: “Hopefully they get it right this time for long term.”
Others were far less enthusiastic, with one supporter writing: “Another inside appointment that just keeps this spiral going.”
Another pleaded: “Ffs sign someone from outside the club.”
One Liverpool fan account went even further, describing the expected appointment as an “absolute disaster”.
However, not everyone was against Ward’s potential return.
One supporter pointed towards the advantage of appointing somebody who already understands how Liverpool and FSG operate, saying: “Ward back in the main chair feels like the obvious move. He already knows how the place works and what FSG actually want from that role.”
Another referenced Ward’s previous work in the transfer market, writing: “He got Macca, hopefully he can repeat the trick this winter!”
The appointment has not yet been officially announced by Liverpool, and Ornstein’s report makes clear that the process is still being concluded.
But if Ward does succeed Hughes as expected, Liverpool appear set to opt for experience and continuity within the FSG structure rather than the completely new direction some supporters had been hoping for.
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