Every signing by Julian Ward as former Liverpool transfer chief is set for FSG’s return

Julian Ward looks set to follow in Michael Edwards’ footsteps in returning to FSG ahead of a busy summer for Liverpool.

According to The Athletic, Ward will take over as technical director at FSG. He returns to the fold a year after leaving Liverpool after just one year as the club’s sporting director, succeeding Edwards in the role.

Ward’s return comes ahead of what will be a crucial summer for Liverpool, with Jürgen Klopp stepping down as manager. Arne Slot is expected to be the German’s successor and will be tasked with leading the Reds into a new era.

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He will be assisted by Edwards, new sporting director Richard Hughes and now Ward as the club look to continue the rebuilding started last summer in midfield. Ahead of his return, here’s a look back at all the signings Ward made during his time as Liverpool’s sporting director.

Luis Diaz

Although he did not officially have the role of sporting director in January 2022, Ward still played an important role in bringing Luis Díaz to the club. The Reds came on deadline day to beat Tottenham to his signature, securing him for a fee of $47m (£37.5m/€44m).

After a terrible start, Díaz was forced to sit out much of the following season after injuring his knee against Arsenal. He has remained fit throughout this season and while his output could certainly be improved, he has been a successful signing for Liverpool.

Fabio Carvalho

A deal was in the works for Fábio Carvalho to join from Fulham in January 2022, but the deal could not be completed until the summer. The youngster made a promising start to life at Anfield, including scoring a late winner against Newcastle, but the rest of his first campaign proved frustrating.

He struggled for opportunities and was sent out on loan to RB Leipzig the following summer. However, chances also proved hard to come by in Germany and he returned to Anfield in January before heading out on loan again with Hull City.

Carvalho has fared much better in the Championship, scoring nine times in 20 appearances and will be aiming to attract the attention of Arne Slot at Liverpool this summer.

Calvin Ramsay

You could be forgiven for kind of forgetting about Ramsay this season. The right-back arrived from Aberdeen in 2022 but injuries have hampered his progress.

After undergoing surgery on a back problem last year, Ramsay required further work on a knee problem, which saw him make a total of just six appearances during loan spells with Preston and Bolton in this season.

He will return to Anfield this summer, but with Conor Bradley enjoying a breakthrough campaign, it remains to be seen what kind of opportunities Ramsay will have next season.

Darwin Núñez

Biggest signing in Ward’s short spell as sporting director, certainly in terms of fee. According to the ECHO, Ward flew to Portugal to hold face-to-face talks with Benfica officials.

With 33 goals and 17 assists in 94 appearances, Darwin Núñez is making a decent comeback in his time with the Reds so far. That only tells half the story.

The jury is still out on the Uruguay international, with fans increasingly frustrated by his wastefulness in front of goal. After two years at the club, the Reds could face a decision over his future this summer, although Klopp played down speculation linking him to Barcelona.

Arthur Melo

Undoubtedly the biggest blot on Ward’s notebook. Arthur Melo was taken on a season-long loan from Juventus in the summer of 2022 when it became clear that Liverpool’s midfield needed more legs.

However, they didn’t get that from the former Barcelona star. Arthur would play a total of 13 minutes for the Reds’ senior team before returning to Italy. Not just the worst of Ward’s signings, but probably the worst of Klopp’s time in charge.

Cody Gakpo

Liverpool sprung a surprise when they announced the signing of Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven before the January 2023 window had even opened. The Netherlands international has impressed in the opening months, scoring seven goals and adding three assists in his first 21 Premier League appearances.

This season proved to be more of a struggle, with Gakpo dropping down the pecking order for much of it. However, he has rediscovered some late form and seems to have retained his place back in the side as we reach the end of the campaign.

Alexis McAllister

Ward had one last signing before leaving Anfield. With With Jörg Schmadtke ready to step into the breach, Ward helped bring in Alexis Mac Allister as the first signing of a busy summer.

Signed for just $44 million ($35 million/€40.6 million) from Brighton, Mac Allister has established himself as one of Liverpool’s most important players in just his first season. The Argentine has shone this season, particularly when playing in a more advanced midfield position.

He will undoubtedly play a big role next season under Slot and, even after just one campaign, already looks to be Ward’s crowning glory in the transfer market.