Julian Ward has returned to Liverpool as sporting director, having previously left in 2023. He now works alongside head coach Andoni Iraola, who is rebuilding the team after a challenging 2025-26 season where they struggled in the Premier League. Ward and Iraola share a long-standing relationship, dating back to Iraola's playing days at Athletic Club when Ward, then a scouting manager, recommended him to Brendan Rodgers. Ward's immediate tasks include addressing contract renewals for key players like Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Joe Gomez, Kostas Tsimikas, and Wataru Endo, and managing Ronald Araujo's loan from Barcelona. Ward previously secured deals for Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister, and Luis Diaz. Liverpool is also pursuing strategic partnerships with European clubs, a shift from FSG's shelved multi-club model plans. The club has aggressively recruited youth talents such as Mor Talla Ndiaye, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Samuel Martinez, Lucca Brughmans, and Djylian N’Guessan, aiming to provide clear pathways to the first team.