Julian Ward could right £10m Richard Hughes mistake

Julian Ward took over as Liverpool's sporting director at the end of the summer transfer window.

Richard Hughes spent his last window in charge of Liverpool and spent well over £150 million trying to improve their ranks.

And, while the transfer of Ronald Araujo has instantly paid off, the jury is still out for Bradley Barcola.

Of course, he's still young and has plenty of his career ahead of him but, right now, he's not really met expectations.

This lack of form has led to fans asking what the Reds' plans for their future are with Ward already being handed a chance to rectify a massive transfer mistake that Hughes made.

Julian Ward must do everything he can to re-sign Trent Alexander-Arnold for Liverpool

Right now, it's unclear what Liverpool's squad is going to look like next season.

A decent number of their players' contracts run out in June 2027 and, with no deals yet in place to extend any of their stays, questions are being asked about what the future has in store for Andoni Iraola's men.

As long as they finish in the Champions League spots this year, they should be able to entice anyone with a move to Anfield.

But, if they don't manage that, they'll be in some serious bother.

Several different players have been mentioned as potential options for Liverpool to explore but, the fact that Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Trent Alexander-Arnold's future should certainly pique Iraola's interest.

“Today, we focus on the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold,” Romano said.

“[There have been] many rumours and many stories over the recent weeks about the possibility for Trent to leave Real Madrid already in the January transfer window.

“And, some links coming from England about a potential return to Liverpool.

“Let’s immediately clarify one thing, there is zero ongoing between Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid and Liverpool, zero at all.

“Trent obviously respects and loves the club but that’s it, it’s in the past. Trent is fully focused on Real Madrid and there is no contact or negotiation at all with Liverpool.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold would be perfect for Andoni Iraola

Before Alexander-Arnold chose to exit Liverpool and join Real Madrid for £10 million, he was regarded as one of the Reds' best players.

A lot of their chances came from the Englishman's position and, without him, less chances have been created by the Reds.

Obviously, several players such as Florian Wirtz were brought in to try and plug the gap left by the defender but, they've not really managed to do that.

And, even though the Reds have finally found a competent right-back in Ronald Araujo, his performance in attack is rather poor.

So, if the opportunity ever arises for Liverpool to re-sign their former homegrown hero, it's one that the club should definitely take.