Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad are interested in appointing former Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward, according to the Daily Mail.
They are keen to add the 42-year-old’s expertise as they try to attract the best from Europe to bring more attention to their league.
Ward raised eyebrows with his shock resignation as he left the Merseyside club this summer just months after replacing the revered Michael Edwards.
He played an influential role in Liverpool’s summer transfer window before leaving despite the club hiring Jorg Schmadtke from Wolfsburg.
Intriguingly, Liverpool resisted Al-Ittihad’s offers for Mohamed Salah during the summer.
They were keen on signing the former Basel star ahead of the Club World Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia next month.
The Jeddah-based club had launched a blockbuster £200 million bid to capture the Egyptian talisman but failed as Liverpool refused to sell.
Al-Ittihad did sign Fabinho from the Reds, but they were really keen on Salah, and their move for Ward could be a strategic ploy to attract him to Saudi Arabia.
Ward, who attracted interest from Dutch giants Ajax but opted to assess his options, joined Liverpool in 2012 as a European scout before climbing up the ranks to sporting director.
He would partner with new manager Marcelo Gallardo to build a world-class squad at Al-Ittihad.
Former manager Nuno Espirito Santo left the club earlier this month after a 2–0 loss to Iraqi club Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the 2023/24 AFC Champions League.
Gallardo will be expected to harness the powers of a squad boasting world-class stars such as Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante as they look to retain their Saudi Pro League crown.
Ward would be a brilliant addition, especially if he can help them land Salah.
Whether his involvement entices the 31-year-old or not, one thing is clear – Al-Ittihad are making bold moves, and the football world will be watching their pursuit.
