Liverpool's Search for New Sporting Director

Liverpool have begun sounding out external contenders in their search for a new sporting director, with Brentford’s technical director Lee Dykes among those to have held talks with the club.

Despite those conversations, the Anfield hierarchy are understood to be leaning towards an internal solution. Current technical director Julian Ward is viewed as a leading candidate to step up and replace Richard Hughes, whose move to Al-Hilal was confirmed at the start of the month.

Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon is driving the recruitment process as Liverpool look to lock in the next figurehead of their football operation.

Dykes is one of several external names under consideration. He has been central to Brentford’s smart recruitment and their successful consolidation in the Premier League since promotion in 2021, having joined the west London club in May 2019.

Brentford sporting director Phil Giles is also highly regarded at Liverpool, though prising him away from the Bees is thought to be a far tougher task.

FSG have spoken to multiple external candidates alongside Dykes, but the growing sense around the club is that the eventual appointment may come from within.