Liverpool will not allow their transfer plans to be derailed by Julian Ward's exit - even though they acknowledge his departure is a sucker punch.
Ward will leave his role as sporting director next summer, just one season after succeeding Michael Edwards in the role. After 10 years of service at Anfield, he is said to want a break from football - reasoning which the Reds can understand but has still left them disappointed.
Ward has impressed since taking up the sporting director mantle, signing Luis Diaz in January and Darwin Nunez in the summer while also tying down Mohamed Salah to a new contract. News that he is leaving came as a 'significant blow' for Liverpool, who are already in the midst of uncertainty with owner Fenway Sports Group willing to sell the club.
That is according to The Times, which notes the Reds will push ahead with their plans for the upcoming winter and summer transfer windows regardless of Ward's departure. Crucially, this means Jurgen Klopp's side can continue their pursuit of Jude Bellingham.
The Borussia Dortmund sensation, 19, has been on Liverpool's radar for many years and is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Europe. The midfielder announced himself on the international stage by opening the scoring in England's World Cup fixture against Iran on Monday.
Bellingham's goal will only raise his stock further and it is expected Liverpool will need to fork out a nine-figure sum to sign him from Dortmund. With Real Madrid also in the race for the teenager, some of the Anfield faithful may be concerned about Liverpool's hopes of securing his signature without Ward at the helm of their transfer business next summer.
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Given some of the eye-catching deals Ward has pulled off during his short stint as sporting director, these fears are certainly valid. In a further blow, Ian Graham will leave his role as director of research in June.
Although they are still expected to strongly pursue Bellingham, Liverpool must also make decisions over the future make-up of their hierarchy, The report notes chief executive Billy Hogan will assume more responsibility regarding the day-to-day activities at the club and Klopp will have increased say in transfer dealings.
Once the Premier League season resumes after the World Cup break in late December, Liverpool have a battle on their hands to force their way back into the top-four picture. After a disastrous first half of the season, the Reds sit seven points behind the Champions League places, albeit having played one more game than fourth-placed Tottenham.
