Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group were 'shocked' by the decision of Julian Ward to leave his role as sporting director, it has been claimed.
Ward surprised Reds fans with his decision to depart the role he took over last summer, replacing Michael Edwards.
He will leave the club this summer, with no official reason given for his departure - although, according to the Liverpool Echo, he has indicated that he will take a break following the end of the campaign.
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The news also came as a major blow to the club, with Ward having been expected to take a similar crucial role in transfers as Edwards did throughout his tenure.
Edwards was a key part in sealing deals for the likes of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho.
Meanwhile, Ward was a driving force behind the signing of Darwin Nunez. However, barring any January deals, he will have little responsibility for Reds moves going forward.
With FSG 'exploring a sale' of Liverpool, as confirmed by their chairman, Tom Werner, to the Boston Globe, Ward's decision has created further uncertainty as to the club's short-term future.
FSG 'shocked' at Ward decision
According to Football Insider, as per a 'well-placed source', FSG were 'shocked' at the decision made by Ward to depart Liverpool, only a few months after being appointed to his new role.
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And in what will come as concerning news for Reds fans, the same source claims that no succession plan is in place for the former assistant of Edwards.
One option could have been to bring Edwards back to Anfield, but the Echo say this is extremely unlikely to happen.
The 41-year-old has been linked with a move to Manchester United or Chelsea, with The Athletic reporting that the Blues made him an offer in August, which was turned down.
Whether Liverpool do try to convince their ex-sporting director to make a return remains to be seen, but they may need to act quickly.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Liverpool, Premier League, Michael Edwards