Exclusive: New Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward holds strong Lamine Camara stance

New Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward has strong feelings on Lamine Camara. Here's what Anfield Watch understands.

Julian Ward is back in place as Liverpool's sporting director after Richard Hughes's exit this summer. Ward, of course, previously replaced Michael Edwards back in 2022 before stepping down himself in 2023.

But now he's back, having worked with FSG for the last two and a half years. It's now Ward's job to pick up where Hughes left off - which means balancing a wildly imbalanced group of players and giving Andoni Iraola the tools for an elite-level team.

It always creates a bit of a headache for clubs when the SD changes. After all, there's no guarantee that he sees things the same way as the previous incumbent and all the work done on scouting and transfers can be for nought.

That's particularly notable with Liverpool and one player in particular: Lamine Camara. The Reds have been linked with Camara since the transfer deadline, when they made a call to AS Monaco to alert them to their interesting in 2027.

That played some sort of role in Chelsea not signing Camara. But will Ward actually want to follow through on that interest?

Julian Ward and Lamine Camara

Anfield Watch understands that Liverpool are still very much in the running for Camara. Ward is a massive fan on the player and we expect he had some level of input on their interest in the first place.

But there's certainly no indication whatsoever that Liverpool will change their attitude towards the Monaco star. They may even increase their interest, quite honestly, as Ward rates Camara so incredibly highly.

That's something we're crossing our fingers for. Camara is an incredible player and, on the face of it, exactly what Liverpool need in their midfield right now.

His start to the season has been incredibly impressive, too, and there's a real sense that the player has kicked on another level. While that may drive his price up, as well as increase competition, we think Liverpool may just accept that and pay the asking price.

Especially with Ward being such a fan. That's as good a sign as any that a strong push from the Reds is coming, possibly in January but probably next summer.

Watch this space.