Julian Ward RETURNS to Liverpool as Michael Edwards gets the band back together

Michael Edwards has brought Julian Ward back to Liverpool as Fenway Sports Group's (FSG) new technical director. 

Edwards, formerly the Reds' sporting director, returned to Liverpool himself earlier in March after being appointed FSG's CEO of Football.

Ward took over as sporting director when Edwards left that role in 2022, but held the position for just a year before deciding to take a break from football.

However, Edwards has now convinced Ward to return to the club after hiring him as FSG's technical director, according to The Athletic's James Pearce.

JULIAN WARD RETURNS TO LIVERPOOL

Pearce reports that Ward will be entrusted with "overseeing player development" and his responsibilities will include "oversight of Liverpool’s academy, FSG’s loan department, group wide elite player development strategies and the establishment of FSG’s new football innovation department."

He will also be involved in overseeing operations at any other club acquired by FSG, with Liverpool expected to employ a multi-club model moving forward.

Ward has rejected many offers from across Europe during his time away from the game but he was convinced to return to the fold by the prospect of working with Edwards once again, as well as the exciting nature of FSG's project.

Edwards has already hired Richard Hughes to be the club's new sporting director and, alongside Ward, the former Bournemouth chief will be involved in the development of academy graduates into important first-team players.

Hughes will also be involved in taking care of general recruitment, negotiations and medical and sports science.

According to Pearce, Liverpool have also hired Benfica's Pedro Marques as director of football development, and he will report to Ward moving forward.

The Portuguese's role will include "overseeing youth player development and their transition to first-team football, leading on coaching recruitment and overseeing a youth structure comprising of 39 teams and around 600 players."

Ward and Marques will start their roles on Saturday 1 June.