Ex-sporting director Julian Ward rumoured to be working with Liverpool again

Former Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward is reported to be back involved with the Reds since mid-August.

The rather surprising news came from Dave Davis who spoke on the Anfield Index podcast and also mentioned that Jorg Schmadtke will not be at the club for the long term.

"On that, all we’ve heard is that it has been a discussion topic for FSG — specifically John Henry, all the key players," the reporter said.

"When John and Tom flew over for the Chelsea game, apparently there were initial discussions — I’m not going to pretend I’ve got an insight, but the absolute smart money is two things. Number one, Jorg Schmadtke is not here in the long term…

"The second big thing, and this isn’t a big reveal, a few people have mentioned it. All we know and other people at AI know from fishing around and getting info — I want to be careful how I phrase this, because it could be taken in different ways.

"Julian Ward has been back involved with Liverpool during the end of the transfer window. From mid-August, he’s been involved with Liverpool."

Ward formally left Liverpool on May 31 but stayed for one extra week to get the Alexis Mac Allister deal over the line.

If this report is correct, he also might have played a role in Ryan Gravenberch's transfer that was completed on the final day. So far, it remains to be seen if Ward re-joins Liverpool officially.