Julian Ward has decided to step down as the Liverpool sporting director just six months after he was appointed to this role.
According to multiple stories, including The Times, The Telegraph and The Athletic, Ward has informed the club about his decision to take a break from football.
The 41-year-old joined the club from Manchester City in 2012 as their European scouting manager for Spain and Portugal. He then rose through the ranks and ended up succeeding Michael Edwards earlier this year.
Ward has played a key role in the signings of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez thanks to a wide net of contacts in Portuguese football. He also led the talks over Mohamed Salah's contract extension that was sealed last summer.
According to Goal's Neil Jones, the decision was met with surprise and disappointment by Ward's superiors. Despite that, he will remain in his role until May as there are no doubts about his integrity and professionalism.
This adds to the uncertainty over the future of the club as Fenway Sports Group has indicated that they are open to offers to take over at Anfield.
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