Julian Ward targeted by Saudi Pro league side Al Ittihad

Former Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward is a target for Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad, according to a report.

Ward succeeded Michael Edwards in the role as the Reds' transfer chief in the summer of 2022, but caused a stir when he announced his intention to leave the club at the end of the 2022/23 season last November.

The 42-year-old, who had worked as a scout at both Liverpool and Man City, had strong connections in Portugal and led the recruitment of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nuñez, while he also arranged the transfer of Alexis Mac Allister this summer before stepping down from his role.

In the wake of Ward's unexpected departure, Liverpool appointed Jorg Schmadtke on a short-term basis, while new long-term options are assessed.

According to the Daily Mail, Ward – who has been without a club since leaving Anfield – is wanted by Al Ittihad.

The brief report claims that the reigning Saudi champions "want a skilled sporting director to aid their recruitment and support new head coach Marcelo Gallardo."

Al Ittihad have been one of the biggest spenders amid the Saudi Pro League's recent rise, signing Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and, of course, Fabinho – who was a £40m acquisition from Liverpool this summer.

At the start of November, former Wolves and Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo was dismissed as Al Ittihad's head coach and replaced by two-time Copa Libertadores winner Gallardo.

There is little to no detail asserting whether the position would be of interest to Ward, whose future has been much speculated upon since his surprise Liverpool exit.

Al Ittihad, who sit fourth in the Saudi Pro League, are also the club which made an unsuccessful offer reportedly worth up to £150m for Mohamed Salah during the summer transfer window.