Julian Ward is reportedly expected to be appointed Liverpool’s new sporting director, succeeding Richard Hughes.

Hughes stepped down from his role earlier in the month, soon after the summer transfer window had closed with Bradley Barcola the headline signing.

In a statement, Liverpool confirmed: “The process of appointing a successor is under way and the outcome will be confirmed in due course.”

Now, according to the Athletic, the ownership-led process is advancing towards its conclusion with Ward set to return to the club for a second spell as sporting director, having previously held the position during the 2022-23 season.

The report also states that Ward has emerged as the club’s preferred option for the post once Hughes officially left the role on September 5, joining Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.

As mentioned above, Liverpool fans will be familiar with Ward. Prior to previously holding the sporting director position, he joined from Manchester City a decade earlier as the club’s European scouting manager for Spain and Portugal.

He then took up the role of loan pathways and football partnerships manager before being promoted to assistant sporting director in 2020, working alongside Michael Edwards and was named his successor following Edwards’ departure in 2022.

While Ward was not Liverpool sporting director for long, he is credited for overseeing the signings of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo

Of course, Diaz and Nunez have since departed for Bayern Munich and Al Hilal respectively, but Gakpo remains at the club despite being heavily linked with an exit during the summer.

In November 2022, Ward had informed Fenway Sports Group (FSG) of his intention to leave the club at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

However, he ended up staying beyond his official departure date in the summer of 2023 to get the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton over the line.