Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward is being considered for the same position at Ajax, once he leaves Anfield this summer.
Ward will step down from his role at Liverpool at the end of the current season. Having spent just one year in the job after taking over from Michael Edwards, his departure has been big news.
And now, as per The Daily Mail, the plot could be about to thicken. With his Anfield exit being described as âunexpected and disappointing,â Ward could reportedly be in-line to jump straight back into work at Ajax.
The 41-year-old is claimed to be one of the candidates being âseriously consideredâ for the sporting director role in Amsterdam. Notoriously savvy in their recruitment, the post has been left vacant since the disgraced Marc Overmars left in February last year.
More questions behind the scenes at Liverpool
Should Ward end up joining Ajax in the same position as the one heâs briefly held at Liverpool, it could rock the boat a little.
It has previously been reported that Edwardsâ successor would be taking a break from football after this season. If he fails to keep that promise, perhaps Liverpool will feel aggrieved.
If that comes to pass, it would only create further intrigue around Wardâs premature departure.
It isnât as though heâs as crucial a figure as Edwards was. Ward spent a long time shadowing his mentor in the role, but doesnât appear to possess quite the same ability to hammer out a bargain.
But it still isnât a good look for Liverpool. Ajax arenât necessarily a rival. The two teams did meet in this seasonâs Champions League, though.
Still, if the Dutch champions do snap Ward up, it would only reinforce the view that something is seriously wrong behind closed doors at Anfield.
In terms of player recruitment, Ajax have long been held up as an example to follow in the European game. If Ward can land that coveted job, it really would beg the question as to why Liverpool allowed him to walk so easily.
At the moment, itâs just speculation. But Liverpool also need Ward fully focused on their pursuit of Jude Bellingham. Anything that takes his eye of that particular ball is bad news for the Reds. The sooner this sideshow gets put to bed, the better.