Klopp's new responsibility at Liverpool with the departure of Michael Edwards

Jurgen Klopp will assume greater responsibility for Liverpool's transfers next summer, sources have revealed to ESPN, following the shock departure of sporting director Julian Ward, who lasted less than six months in the job. Ward was promoted to his post at the end of last season after Michael Edwards, the man credited with transforming Liverpool's recruitment policy into the best in Europe, resigned.

Sources told ESPN that Ward, 41, will step down for personal reasons but will remain in the role until the end of the season to give the board time to consider names who could take his place. However, sources revealed that Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), now in the process of finding a buyer for the Reds, are unlikely to be replaced by the owners. As such, the club will operate with the idea that the manager will have more influence over transfers while they find a buyer.

More Liverpool news:

If Cristiano Ronaldo says no to Liverpool, Klopp wants this World Cup striker

Liverpool scandal, key man leaves, Klopp can't believe it

This would mean Klopp will have greater influence over Liverpool's signings and departures. Klopp wanted the club to add a new midfielder to the squad during the summer transfer window amid concerns about the fitness of several players in that area of his team. And although FSG cleared Juventus and Brazil midfielder Arthur Melo on loan on transfer deadline day, the 26-year-old has only played 13 minutes in the Champions League against Napoli in September due to a series of injuries.

With Klopp extending his contract until the end of the 2025-26 season, sources have said the former Borussia Dortmund coach is expected to ensure stability during the search for a buyer by overseeing the transfer department in the absence of a sporting director. And although FSG cleared Juventus and Brazil midfielder Arthur Melo on loan on transfer deadline day, the 26-year-old has only played 13 minutes in the Champions League against Napoli in September due to a series of injuries.

Klopp is under contract until 2026

With Klopp extending his contract until the end of the 2025-26 season, sources have said the former Borussia Dortmund coach is expected to ensure stability during the search for a buyer by overseeing the transfer department in the absence of a sporting director.