Liverpool Sporting Director Search: Internal vs External Candidates

Liverpool have begun sounding out external contenders for their sporting director role, with Brentford’s highly regarded technical director Lee Dykes among those to have held talks with the club.

The Anfield hierarchy are, however, leaning towards an internal solution. Current technical director Julian Ward is viewed as a leading candidate to succeed Richard Hughes, whose move to Al-Hilal was confirmed at the start of the month. Ward’s elevation would maintain continuity inside a recruitment structure that has already undergone significant change in recent years.

Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon is driving the search, weighing up the pull of stability against the temptation to import fresh ideas.

Dykes is one of the most notable external names under consideration. Since joining Brentford in May 2019, he has been central to the club’s rise and consolidation in the Premier League following promotion in 2021, helping the Bees punch consistently above their financial weight.

Liverpool also hold Phil Giles, Brentford’s sporting director, in high esteem. Prising him away from west London, though, is expected to be far from straightforward given his influence and standing at the club.

FSG have spoken to other external candidates beyond Dykes as they assess the market. The choice now is stark: double down on the internal model with Ward, or break the pattern and bet on a Brentford architect to shape Liverpool’s next era.