Liverpool hit by ‘potentially catastrophic’ blow as pundit ‘shocked’
The departure of Julian Ward from Liverpool at the end of the season is a “shock” and “potentially catastrophic” for the club’s transfer plans, according to Noel Whelan.
Speaking to Football Insider, the former Leeds United striker and current club ambassador highlighted the significance of the club losing their sporting director for the second consecutive year.
Ward had replaced Michael Edwards after working his way through the ranks at Anfield, but announced last week is set to take a break from football.
The news has dismayed many Liverpool supporters at a time of growing uncertainty at the club which has been a byword for stability in recent years.
Moreover, Edwards is in talks to join bitter rivals Man United as their new sporting director.
Sources have told Football Insider that a deal for Edwards to join United next summer is advancing and is totally separate to the club’s own potential takeover.
“I’m shocked Liverpool could lose their sporting director for the second year in a row, it’s such a key role for a big club these days,” Whelan told Football Insider.
“So much planning goes into transfers – the organisation, scouting, background checks, negotiating with agents and clubs – that it needs a top man to oversee it. At Liverpool, they’re not just looking at players for January and next summer, but for the year after that, and the year after that.
“Could it mean Liverpool lose out on a top target? Well, yes, of course it could. From that point of view, it could be potentially catastrophic, especially if one person has established a relationship and rapport with an agent, or an executive at another club.
“Liverpool are a huge club and will appoint a replacement. But, it is certainly not ideal for them”.
Ward’s departure comes shortly after US owners Fenway Sports Group put the club up for sale.
He is not the only prominent figure behind the scenes at Anfield taking a step back, with club research director Ian Graham also resigning and seeing out his one-season notice period.
In other news, Liverpool source reveals “huge news” behind the scenes.