---
title: "Liverpool transfer news as Julian Ward’s ‘utmost priority’ emerges"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-transfer-news-as-julian-wards-utmost-priority-emerges/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Vishal Subramanian"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2026-10-19T10:11:21Z"
modified: "2026-10-19T10:11:22Z"
---

# Liverpool transfer news as Julian Ward’s ‘utmost priority’ emerges

**Julian Ward has officially taken over as Liverpool’s sporting director after Richard Hughes’ departure to Al-Hilal.**

The Englishman knows the club inside out and will waste no time in getting to work as the Reds still have a few issues to address.

Liverpool will remain on the lookout for potential reinforcements in the upcoming transfer windows to bolster Andoni Iraola’s squad.

However, [TEAMtalk](https://www.teamtalk.com/liverpool/rio-ngumoha-reaches-massive-decision-anfield-future-reveals-all-contract-talks) sources confirm that Ward’s biggest priority at Liverpool is to tie down Rio Ngumoha to a new contract.

## Liverpool desperate to keep Rio Ngumoha

The youngster is now firmly a first-team option after bursting onto the scene under Arne Slot and has also been capped by England.

Ngumoha is in talks with Liverpool over a new deal and is relaxed about his future.

However, according to the aforementioned source, Ward wants to ensure his long-term future lies at Anfield, which will be his first order of business in his new role.

> Rio Ngumoha on whether he has a preferred wing:\
> \
> “No, not anymore to be fair. I think now I’m getting to grips with the right wing and I’m liking it. It’s giving me another tool, another asset, and it’s good.” [#LFC](https://x.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/cemjpgFk89](https://t.co/cemjpgFk89)
>
> — AS (@Anfield\_Sector) [October 18, 2026](https://x.com/Anfield_Sector/status/2111739819722477979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

An excerpt from the article reads: “New sporting director Julian Ward has made locking down the winger to his new deal his utmost priority at Anfield, and with sources making it clear there are no concerns that an agreement won’t be reached.”

Ngumoha’s long-term future lies at Anfield and Liverpool will hope to formalise the agreement before the turn of the year.