David Ornstein names strong contender for Liverpool role

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By Mia Rodriguez
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Julian Ward ‘Stands a Really Good Chance’ as Liverpool Sporting Director Search Takes Shape

Liverpool’s search for a new sporting director has inevitably produced a familiar name, Julian Ward.

Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, David Ornstein offered an intriguing update on Liverpool’s plans following Richard Hughes’ departure for Al Hilal, explaining that the process is now being led by Mike Gordon.

For Liverpool, this appointment arrives during a significant period at Anfield, with new investment, changes within the hierarchy and the January transfer window already beginning to appear on the horizon.

Ward, importantly, is already inside the building.

Julian Ward Emerges as Serious Liverpool Candidate

Asked about Liverpool’s sporting director situation, Ornstein explained: “Mike Gordon is leading the process.”

He added that Gordon had “came back to the fore on behalf of FSG and ownership after Michael Edwards left the club over the summer”, with Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan also providing support.

Then came the significant part.

“Julian Ward is there as technical director for FSG,” Ornstein said. “And he has been there before. Before he occupied the sporting director role and other roles at Liverpool previously.”

Ward’s history at Liverpool means his credentials are already well known within the organisation. Ornstein also highlighted the circumstances surrounding his return.

“With the second club project not coming to fruition, which I think was largely why Julian Ward and others came back to the club, Michael Edwards included, he sort of invested more heavily in work around recruitment, development and other things at Anfield.”

Ornstein’s assessment of Ward was particularly positive.

“He did a really good job in the past. He’s doing a good job now. He’s highly rated.”

Ornstein Says Ward Has Strong Chance

That praise became even more significant when Ornstein discussed what he has heard during conversations around Liverpool.

“I think Ward stands a really good chance from the conversations I’m having,” Ornstein revealed.

That feels like the clearest indication yet that Liverpool could look internally when replacing Hughes.

There remains another side to the process, however, because Ornstein stressed that external candidates cannot be ruled out.

“It’s important for us not to discount external possibilities and that process is going on now,” he said.

Ornstein mentioned several prominent recruitment figures while making it absolutely clear he was not linking them directly with Liverpool.

“I saw one report today mentioning Luis Campos. Who else is around these days available? Edu, having left Nottingham Forest.”

He also referenced Dougie Freedman and Paul Mitchell before adding: “I’m not linking these people to Liverpool. Let me just be clear. I’m just saying that there are big hitters.”

Liverpool Face Major Decision During Transition

The wider question concerns precisely what Liverpool want from their next sporting director.

“I think it’s a massive question about what Liverpool’s hierarchy, and it’s obviously different now, want and what they need and what is most sensible during this period of transition,” Ornstein said.

There is also a practical reason for Liverpool to reach a decision quickly.

“They’ll try and get some clarity as soon as possible because obviously the January window is coming and before we know it, we’ll be at next summer.”

Liverpool have already invested heavily in their squad, particularly in attack. Ornstein suggested the priority now should be identifying specific quality rather than simply increasing numbers.

“I don’t think low cost signings to sort of pad out the squad is necessary now,” he said. “I think it’s just adding quality where they see fit.”

He also stressed the importance of recruiting players suited to new head coach Andoni Iraola.

“They need to sign the right recruits for Andoni Iraola, for his system, for Liverpool’s identity if they’re going to keep up with the Manchester Citys, Arsenals, even your Chelseas and others of this world.”

Ward Could Offer Liverpool Familiarity at Crucial Moment

Ward therefore occupies an interesting position.

He knows Liverpool, has previously performed the sporting director role and, according to Ornstein, remains “highly rated”. More importantly, he is already working within the organisation at a time when its hierarchy is evolving.

Ornstein summed up the significance of Liverpool’s current situation succinctly.

“It’s an incredibly important time at Anfield, both in terms of the player recruitment and that sporting director situation, not to mention what’s happening at ownership level.”

The external search continues, but Ward’s candidacy appears firmly in contention.

For Liverpool, familiarity may yet provide the answer to one of the biggest decisions facing the club.

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