Liverpool's Search for New Sporting Director: Internal vs. External Candidates

Liverpool have opened talks with a series of external candidates in their hunt for a new sporting director, with Brentford technical director Lee Dykes among those sounded out.

The Anfield hierarchy are, however, leaning towards promoting from within. Current technical director Julian Ward is viewed as a leading contender to step into the role vacated by Richard Hughes, whose move to Al-Hilal was confirmed at the start of the month.

Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon is driving the process, overseeing what is shaping into a pivotal decision for the club’s next phase.

Dykes has been on Liverpool’s radar after playing a significant part in Brentford’s rise and consolidation as a Premier League side. He joined the Bees in May 2019 and has been central to the smart recruitment and squad-building that underpinned their promotion in 2021 and their ability to stay in the division.

Inside Brentford, sporting director Phil Giles is also highly regarded by Liverpool. Prising him away from west London, though, is expected to be a major challenge.

FSG have held conversations with other external options besides Dykes as they weigh up whether to stick to their instinct for an internal solution or bring in a fresh voice from outside. The decision will define how Liverpool build around their next era off the pitch as much as on it.