Liverpool sporting director could move to top European job after 'shock' Anfield decision

Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward is being considered for a role at Dutch giants Ajax once he departs Anfield at the end of the season, according to reports.

Ward was appointed as sporting director at the Reds following the departure of Michael Edwards, and took up the position at the beginning of the season.

He reportedly played a key role in the deal that brought Darwin Nunez to Anfield from Benfica, with the Liverpool Echo claiming he used his connections in Portugal.

Ward, who enjoyed one of his first footballing roles with leading performance analysis firm ProZone, was seen as the ideal candidate to replace Edwards, given he had filled several positions at the club since his arrival in 2011.

But, in a surprise decision made in December, he announced his intention to leave Anfield at the end of the current season, after just a year in charge, which is said to have 'shocked' some figures at the club. Liverpool are yet to announce a successor.

And even though there is a suggestion he wants a break after exiting Anfield, Ajax are reportedly keen on bringing Ward to the Johan Cruyff ArenA.

Liverpool sporting director of interest to Ajax

According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf (via Daily Mirror), Ajax are interested in recruiting Ward as the club's new technical director, with the Liverpool chief on a shortlist of possible candidates.

Ward worked with Ajax's fierce rivals PSV on the deal to bring Cody Gakpo to Liverpool before the January transfer window opened, and is bilingual. If appointed, Ward would replace Marc Overmars, who resigned from his position last year after he was found to have sent inappropriate messages to female colleagues.

However, the Liverpool Echo claim that Ward has a clause in his Reds contract that leaves him unable to take up another role for the following 12 months after his departure, meaning Ajax may need to agree a deal with Liverpool to appoint him.

Ajax have recently concluded their search for a new manager, at least for the time being, with former Everton defender Johnny Heitinga taking charge until the end of the season.

Ajax are third in the Eredivisie, three points behind leaders Feyenoord after 20 games.