Liverpool are closing in on the appointment of Julian Ward as their new sporting director, and Football FanCast understands he is already planning transfers for 2027.

Ward set to re-join Liverpool

According to The Athletic's James Pearce, Ward is expected to succeed Richard Hughes, who left Anfield for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal once the summer transfer window closed.

It would be the 45 year-old's second stint in the role, having held the post during the 2022-23 campaign while Jurgen Klopp was in charge.

FSG president Mike Gordon has overseen the search, and the pair will have plenty of big calls to make as soon as Ward arrives, with Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Joe Gomez, Kostas Tsimikas and Wataru Endo all out of contract next summer.

Van Dijk played down talk of his future after Sunday's 1-0 win at Bournemouth. "Already? No, I am just focusing on the present. There is nothing to report on that," he told reporters.

The Dutchman will be 36 by the start of the 2027-28 season, and Alisson turns 34 next week, so there is logic in both parties waiting to see how the coming months play out. Both are among the club's top earners, but each has started the season in commanding form.

Losing more experience after Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all left on free transfers this summer would be a blow.

There are also question marks about the future of Alexis Mac Allister, who will enter the final year of his deal next summer. The Argentine spoke out earlier this month about his "sadness" at being told in the summer that Liverpool would not offer him a new contract following a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, but has returned to his best at the heart of the midfield this season.

Liverpool planning to replace Mac Allister

Football FanCast sources understand that Ward does not plan to renew Mac Allister's contract, despite the improvement in his form. Instead, the 27 year-old is likely to be sold at the end of the season. Ward is keen to avoid the mistakes made by Hughes in allowing key players to leave for free, and will not allow the 27 year-old's deal to drift into its final 12 months.

Ryan Gravenberch, 24, is tied down until 2032, and Dominik Szoboszlai, 25, is contracted until 2031, and sources close to the situation understand the incoming sporting director wants a specialist defensive midfielder to play alongside the pair, the two players he sees as long-term fixtures.

That man is believed to be Monaco star Lamine Camara, with Pearce confirming the Senegal star would have been the top target had the Reds opted to strengthen their midfield this summer.

Camara is believed to be open to a move to Anfield, with the 22 year-old pulling the plug on a deadline day move to Chelsea. Prising him away from the Stade Louis II won't be easy however, with Monaco boss Filipe Luis a huge fan of the player.

What's been said about Camara?

"We are probably talking about one of the best midfielders in the world," said former Chelsea defender Luis. "I don't want to talk about him too much, because I know a lot of clubs would love to have him in their squad, and he is very important to me.

"He has that quality on the ball, covers a lot of ground, he is truly top class! I am really happy to have him, and he is going to play a key role in the team."

Filipe Luis is also hopeful that Camara will stay. "Keeping him? I am very hopeful he will stay. I think he is happy in Monaco. So if he stays, he can play a key role in my game plan."

Liverpool are not expected to be active in the January market barring an injury crisis, but Ward will be backed heavily next summer, with defensive midfield and right-back expected to be the two top priorities.