The next phase in Liverpool’s plan for life after Jurgen Klopp has begun. Richard Hughes has been appointed as the club’s new sporting director. He is a man who is well renowned in world football and who knows Michael Edwards, FSG’s new head of football operations, very well.
Given Hughes’ pedigree, he seems like the ideal candidate for Liverpool. He works well with Edwards, has an understanding of data and an impressive track record at Bournemouth. Over the last couple of years, he has made impressive recruitments and has attracted some high-profile players to the club.
Joining Liverpool will be a major step-up. But it’s a process where Edwards will help support and guide him along the way. Together, the pair of them will look to continue where Edwards left off when he departed the club in 2022.
They will have good foundations to continue that work. But they may also be helped by the appointment of another man, who knows Edwards well and who Richard has links with as well. And who has previously been on the books at Liverpool and Manchester City.
Why Richard Hughes could bring back Julian Ward
Hughes may not be the last appointment in the backroom staff at Liverpool.FSG are about to embark in a major reshuffling process as they pursue their multi-club model – one of the main reasons why Edwards returned.
David Ornstein has reported recently that FSG are also looking to appoint Benfica technical director Pedro Marques. But he may not be the only appointment FSG could consider.
Liverpool would be wise to make a return for Julian Ward, the club’s former sporting director, as well. Ward has a proven pedigree, having previously worked in Portugal and at Manchester City as well. During his time at Liverpool, he was Edwards’ right-hand man and proved to be an excellent member behind the scenes.
Hughes will know him as well since as per The Athletic, in the past, the new Liverpool sporting director worked with Ward’s brother, who was the scout for Portugal and Spain at Bournemouth. So there is a link between not just Edwards but Hughes as well for Ward. Given those links, it may not be that much of a surprise if FSG did try to convince Ward to return. He is currently without a club and would be able to join Liverpool immediately.