Julian Ward could finally sign incredible Premier League star after three years

Julian Ward could be on the brink of signing an exciting Premier League star.

It's easy to forget that this is not the Liverpool sporting director's first rodeo. Ward has been here before. During 2022 and 2023 he was also leading the operations at Anfield.

Back then his time was cut short with Jurgen Klopp preferring to bring in his own man in Jorg Schmadtke. However, Ward's work was so respected that when Klopp left in 2024, he was immediately brought back by FSG.

Initially Ward was reluctant to take the front seat again. He's been working in the background. However, when the sporting director's position became available again, he was an easy candidate for the job.

Liverpool quite simply could not have found a better replacement for Richard Hughes.

Julian Ward's first steps as Liverpool sporting director

It hasn't been an easy start for the current Liverpool man. Ward has quite a few tricky aspects of the job he needs to resolve.

His first priority will be sorting out contracts. Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha both need extensions and wages that are more fitting of their status in the squad. Otherwise they may start to be swayed by other teams who are likely to be interested.

Virgil van Dijk's contract is also expiring and with Liverpool struggling to line-up a replacement, Ward absolutely needs to tie him down for at least one more year.

Whether the same applies to Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez, only Ward can decide. It won't be an easy nor a popular decision, that is guaranteed.

Julian Ward could finally sign Luka Vuskovic

But ultimately, Ward is also going to have to sign players and one could be a few years in the making.

Back when Luka Vuskovic was just breaking out as a player in 2023, Ward has already set his sights on him. Still the club's sporting director at the time, Ward sent scouts to assess Vuskovic's talent as a 16-year-old.

Liverpool were interested in his services but Ward could not get the deal over the line.

It seems as though that he hasn't forgotten about Vuskovic. According to Florian Plettenberg, the Croat is a target for Liverpool in 2027.

Now playing for Brighton and excelling, Vuskovic would make a lot of sense for Liverpool when Van Dijk departs. He would be the ideal successor to the Brazilian's throne.

Which is why it looks like that after three years in the making, Ward could finally bring him to Anfield.