Every Julian Ward signing as former Liverpool transfer chief set for FSG return

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

According to The Athletic, Ward will take up the position of technical director with FSG. He returns to the fold a year on from leaving Liverpool after just a year as the club’s sporting director, having succeeded Edwards in the role.

Ward’s return comes ahead of what will be a pivotal summer for Liverpool, with Jürgen Klopp leaving 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 helped by Edwards, new sporting director Richard Hughes, and now Ward as the club looks to continue the rebuild that was started last summer in midfield. Ahead of his return, here’s a look back on all the signings made by Ward during his time as Liverpool’s sporting director.

Luis Díaz

Though not officially in the role of sporting director in January 2022, Ward nevertheless played a big part in bringing Luis Díaz to the club. The Reds swooped in on deadline day to beat Tottenham to his signature, securing him for a fee of $47m (£37.5m/€44m).

After a blistering start, Díaz was forced to sit out the majority of the following season after picking up a knee injury against Arsenal. He has stayed fit throughout this season, and while his output could certainly be improved upon, he has been a successful signing for Liverpool.

Fábio Carvalho

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

He struggled for opportunities, and was sent out on loan to RB Leipzig the following summer. Chances proved hard to come by in Germany as well though, and he returned to Anfield in January before heading back out on loan with Hull City.

Carvalho has fared much better in the Championship, scoring nine times in 20 appearances, and will be aiming to catch Arne Slot's eye back at Liverpool this summer.

Calvin Ramsay

You might be forgiven for forgetting about Ramsay somewhat this season. The right-back arrived from Aberdeen in 2022, but injuries have got in the way of his progress.

After undergoing surgery on a back issue last year, Ramsay has required further work on a knee problem, leading to him making a total of just six appearances across loan spells with Preston and Bolton this season.

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

Darwin Núñez

The biggest signing of Ward's brief stint as sporting director, certainly in terms of the fee. According to the ECHO, Ward flew out to Portugal in order to hold face-to-face talks with Benfica officials.

With 33 goals and 17 assists from 94 appearances, Darwin Núñez has a decent return in his time with the Reds so far. That only tells half the story though.

The jury is still out on the Uruguay international, with fans growing increasingly frustrated with 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 did play down speculation linking him with Barcelona.

Arthur Melo

Undoubtedly the biggest blot on Ward's copybook. Arthur Melo was signed on a season-long loan from Juventus in the summer of 2022, when it became clear Liverpool's midfield needed more legs.

They didn't get that from the former Barcelona star though. Arthur would play a grand total of 13 minutes for the Reds' senior side before heading back to Italy. Not only the worst of Ward's signings, but probably the worst of Klopp's time in charge.

Cody Gakpo

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

This season has proven more of a struggle, with Gakpo falling down the pecking order for much of it. He has rediscovered some form of late though, and looks to have nailed down his place back in the side as we come to the end of the campaign.

Alexis Mac Allister

Ward had one final signing up his sleeve before he left Anfield. 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 $44m ($35m/€40.6m) from Brighton, Mac Allister has gone on to establish 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 position in midfield.

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