Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward will leave after just a year in the role, dealing a ‘death blow’ to the Premier League club, but that is unlikely to affect Jude Bellingham’s pursuit

Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward will leave the club at the end of the season after just one year in his new role.

Ward’s predecessor, Michael Edwards, only officially left the club in May this year, and his departure also represents a “death blow”, according to the Times.

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Ward wants a break from football, as does Edwards, who has been approached by a number of clubs since leaving Anfield, including Chelsea, but has turned down all advances.

The news comes amid turbulent times at Liverpool, with owners Fenway Sports Group actively seeking further investment in the club, with reports claiming they are open to a full sale.

Ward has been with Liverpool for a decade, and following the start of a power transfer from Edwards, the current sporting director has been credited with the signings of Luis Diaz from Porto and Darwin Nunez from Benfica, as well as securing of a new contract for Mohamed Salah.

However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing, with Liverpool seeing much of their bench depth sold over the summer in a bid to raise funds, leaving manager Jurgen Klopp ruining a lack of options.

The Times say FSG are disappointed by the news, but believe Ward’s reasoning for wanting a break is valid and does not expect him to take a job elsewhere.

They also report that Liverpool will now decide which model of football operations to adopt, with chief executive Billy Hogan set to take on more responsibility in the day-to-day running of the club.

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Klopp has also taken a more active role as he attempts to rebuild his squad in the transfer market, and Ward’s departure is unlikely to affect their winter and summer plans.

The headliner of those plans is Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, with the Reds vying with Manchester City and Real Madrid for the signing of the England superstar.

The Times say Dortmund’s price tag will be more important than Ward’s departure, as well as Liverpool’s chances of retaining Champions League football, with the team currently seven points behind the top four in the Premier League.