Julian Ward has returned to Liverpool as sporting director, taking over after Richard Hughes's move to Al-Hilal. Ward, who previously served as Fenway Sports Group's technical director, reprises the role he held during the 2022/23 campaign. His appointment comes as the club faces several critical decisions in the coming weeks and months.
Van Dijk and Alisson futures
Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, with a combined 719 appearances, are both in the final year of their contracts. Van Dijk, who turned 35 in July, remains the club captain, while Alisson is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Reds history. Ward must determine whether extensions are due for the two players, both in their mid-30s.
Van Dijk was asked after Liverpool's 1-0 win over Bournemouth about a new deal, but he said it was too early. "Already?" he asked with a smile on September 20. "No, I am just focusing on the present. There is nothing to report on that." Alisson remains vital despite Giorgi Mamardashvili waiting in the wings and Lucca Brughmans set to arrive next summer.
Rio Ngumoha contract talks
Discussions with Rio Ngumoha's representatives are ongoing as Liverpool aim to tie down the 18-year-old to a new deal. Ngumoha signed his first professional contract after turning 17, with plans to improve terms when he turned 18. However, over a month after his August 29 birthday, there has been no public confirmation of a new contract.
Ngumoha became the third youngest player of all time to earn a competitive England cap when he featured as a substitute in the win over Czechia on Tuesday, behind only Jude Bellingham and Wayne Rooney. Bayern Munich were tentatively interested in the summer, with speculation of admiration from Arsenal, but Liverpool remain determined to secure a deal commensurate with his progress.
Alexis Mac Allister issue
Alexis Mac Allister admitted last month he was disappointed not to have been offered a new deal by Liverpool. This year, both Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai signed new contracts, but Mac Allister has not. Speaking before scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid, he said: "There was a chance (I could leave in the summer) as everyone knows. I received the news the club was not in position to offer me a new contract which of course makes me very, very sad."
Mac Allister turns 28 on Christmas Eve. After a disappointing campaign last season, Liverpool have kept their powder dry. Ward, whose relationship with the player's agent was instrumental in signing Mac Allister from Brighton in 2023, will take a considered assessment before the next move.
Plug the gaps
Ward will work with chief scout Barry Hunter, assistant sporting director David Woodfine, and FSG's Pedro Marques. Hughes took head of scouting operations Craig McKee and head of technical scouting Mark Burchill to the Middle East, so Ward might have to interview for important recruitment-based roles. FSG were delighted to rehire Ward, having never really wanted to lose him as sporting director initially.
