Liverpool fans have reacted after news broke that Julian Ward is expected to be appointed as the club’s new sporting director.
The Athletic’s esteemed David Ornstein reported on Tuesday that the 45-year-old Englishman is expected to succeed Richard Hughes as Liverpool’s most senior sporting director.
Ornstein emphasized that the ownership-led process has not officially concluded but said it is now “closer to a conclusion.”
🚨 Julian Ward is expected to be appointed as Liverpool sporting director. 45-year-old Briton first choice to succeed Richard Hughes and take top spot #LFC Athletic Director; Ownership-led process not yet over, but now nearing completion @TheAthleticFC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 22, 2026
Ward will return to a very familiar role, having succeeded Michael Edwards as Liverpool’s sporting director in 2022 before leaving the club at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Ward then returned to Fenway Sports Group in 2024 as technical director, responsible for FSG’s football operations.
During his previous recruitment at Liverpool, Ward was involved in a number of big transfers and was credited with playing a major role in deals including for Luis Diaz and Alexis McAllister.
However, the prospect of Liverpool turning to Ward again appears to have frustrated some supporters.
Liverpool consider external candidates
This is partly because the club reportedly considered a number of candidates outside Anfield following Hughes’ departure.
According to BBC Sport, Liverpool have spoken to potential candidates including Brentford technical director Lee Dykes, while Brentford sporting director Phil Giles has also been praised.
Liverpool also reportedly have several in-house options, including Ward, David Woodfarne, Pedro Marquez and Matt Newbery.
Reports have also suggested Liverpool could appoint a second senior official to join Ward, meaning further changes to the recruitment structure are possible.
Hughes left Liverpool earlier this month after two years as sporting director to take up the same role at Saudi Professional League side Al Hilal.
Liverpool fans react to Julian Ward news
Judging from the immediate reaction to Ornstein’s update, many Liverpool supporters had been hoping that Hughes’ successor would bring a fresh approach.
One fan wrote: “You’re back again but this time we need good signings.”
Another said: “Fellow Reds, I’m a little lost, do we have hope for this?”
A third added: “Hopefully they get it right this time, in the long run.”
Others were far less enthusiastic, with one supporter writing: “Another internal appointment will only continue this spiral.”
Another pleaded: “We sign people from outside the club.”
One Liverpool fan account went further, describing the expected appointment as an “absolute disaster”.
However, not everyone is opposed to Ward’s potential return.
One supporter noted the advantages of appointing someone who already knows how Liverpool and FSG operate, saying: “Ward returning as manager feels like an obvious move. He already knows how the place works and what FSG really want out of the role.”
Another referenced Ward’s previous performances in the transfer market, writing: “He got Marca, hopefully he can do it again this winter!”
Liverpool have yet to officially announce the appointment, with Ornstein’s report making it clear that the process is still being concluded.
But if Ward does succeed Hughes as expected, it appears Liverpool will opt for the experience and continuity within the FSG structure rather than the entirely new direction some supporters have been hoping for.