It appears that Julian Ward will rejoin FSG in the summer. Ahead of a hectic summer, the former sporting director of Liverpool returns, following in the footsteps of Michael Edwards. Julian Ward appears to be returning to FSG ahead of Liverpool’s hectic summer schedule, following in Michael Edwards’ footsteps. Ward will join FSG in the role of technical director, according to The Athletic. After taking over as Liverpool’s sporting director for just a year, following in Edwards’ footsteps, he rejoins the team a year later. Ward’s comeback occurs before what is expected to be a crucial summer for Liverpool due to Jürgen Klopp’s departure as manager. The German’s replacement, Arne Slot, is anticipated to be in charge of the Reds.
Edwards, Richard Hughes, the club’s new sporting director, and Ward will all support him as the team attempts to finish the midfield makeover that was begun last summer. Here’s a look back at every acquisition Ward made while serving as Liverpool’s sporting director, in front of his imminent return.
Luis Díaz Even though Ward did not have the position of sporting director officially in January 2022, he was a major factor in luring Luis Díaz to the team. On the day of the transfer deadline, the Reds outperformed Tottenham to sign him, paying $47 million (£37.5 million/€44 million). Díaz had an explosive start to the following season, but a knee injury he sustained against Arsenal meant he would miss most of it. He’s got maintained his fitness throughout the season, and although his output might be increased, he has been a productive addition to Liverpool.
Fábio Carvalho
Fábio Carvalho was supposed to join from Fulham in January 2022, but the agreement couldn’t be finalized until the summer. Although the young player had a bright beginning to his time at Anfield, including winning a game late against Newcastle, the rest of his debut season was disappointing. Due to his lack of opportunities, he was sent to RB Leipzig for a loan the following summer. However, opportunities were scarce in Germany as well, and in January he returned to Anfield before going back out on loan to Hull City. Carvalho has done really well.
Calvin Ramsay You may be excused for having forgotten a little bit about Ramsay this season. The right-back joined from Aberdeen in 2022, but his development has been hampered by injuries. Ramsay made only six appearances this season during his loan periods with Preston and Bolton due to the need for additional treatment on a knee injury following surgery on a back issue last year.
Darwin Núñez Considering the transfer fee, this was the largest signing made by Ward during his short tenure as sporting director. The ECHO claims that Ward took a plane to Portugal to have in-person discussions with representatives of Benfica. Thus far, Darwin Núñez has made 94 appearances for the Reds, tallying 33 goals and 17 assists. However, that just reveals part of the story.
Arthur Melo Easily the largest stain on Ward’s resume. When it became apparent that Liverpool’s midfield needed extra legs in the summer of 2022, Arthur Melo was signed by Juventus on a season-long loan. However, they didn’t receive it from the former Barcelona player. Before leaving for Italy, Arthur would play just 13 minutes for the senior Reds team. Not just the worst additions made by Ward, but most likely the worst in Klopp’s tenure as manager.
Cody Gakpo When Liverpool announced they had signed Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven before the January 2023 transfer window had even opened, it took people by surprise. In his first 21 Premier League games, the Netherlands international scored seven goals and added three assists, making an impression throughout his first few months of play. Gakpo has struggled more this season, spending a large portion of it lower on the hierarchy. As the campaign draws to a close, he appears to have cemented his spot back in the team, having recently found some type of success.
Mac Allister Alexis
Ward had one last signing up his sleeve before he left Anfield. With Jörg Schmadtke ready to step in, Ward helped bring in Alexis Mac Allister as the first signing of a hectic summer. Mac Allister, who only cost $44 million ($35 million/€40.6 million)—became one of Liverpool’s most important players in just his first season. The Argentine has performed exceptionally well this season, particularly when he plays in a more advanced midfield position.