‘Big change’: Fabrizio Romano now drops major claim about Liverpool’s replacement for Julian Ward

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Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has been discussing Liverpool’s Julian Ward situation on the House of Champions Podcast.

According to a report by The Guardian, the Reds are considering scrapping the Sporting Director role at the club.

However, Romano doesn’t think this is the case, as he has set out the criteria for Ward’s replacement. He says Jurgen Klopp’s side are looking for somebody willing to come in and work on a long-term project – something Ward was meant to do.

“It’s surprising,” he said.

“Honestly with Liverpool, it is surprising because Julian Ward was the man prepared to change the Liverpool project after the era of Michael Edwards, but now he’s going to step down at the end of the season.

“It’s a big change for Liverpool and I’m sure that they want to make sure their next director is someone who will work on a long-term project together with Jurgen Klopp.

“Something is definitely changing for Liverpool.”

Romano says Liverpool will stick with Sporting Director role

With Ward’s surprise exit, Fenway Sports Group will be confused where to go from here.

The Reds Sporting Director assumed the role from predecessor Michael Edwards just six months ago, in what was viewed as a seamless transition.

However, following FSG’s move to put the club up for sale and with Mike Gordon stepping back from his day-to-day role, things couldn’t get much more hectic behind-the-scenes at Anfield.

Alongside Ward, Liverpool will need to replace Director of Research Ian Graham. These two members of staff were expected to lead the Reds into a new era, with a string of new and exciting signings on the radar.

Ward played a crucial part in the deals for Luis Diaz in January and then Darwin Nunez in the summer. Furthermore, he played a leading role in Mohamed Salah’s long-awaited contract renewal.

However, fans will now be worried what his exit will mean for the club in terms of the transfer market.

With Liverpool seemingly in the lead to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, the club will be desperate to resume negotiations where they left off.

Hopefully these departures won’t have a spiralling effect on the operations at Kirkby, as the next two windows will be imperative for the Reds’ success.