Liverpool's Search for New Sporting Director: Lee Dykes in Talks

Liverpool have opened talks with a series of external candidates in their search for a new sporting director, with Brentford technical director Lee Dykes among those to have held discussions with the club.

Despite those conversations, the mood inside Anfield points towards an internal solution. Current technical director Julian Ward is regarded as a leading contender to step up and replace 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, sounding out options while weighing up continuity against a fresh voice.

Dykes has emerged as a serious name on the shortlist. He has been central to Brentford’s rise and consolidation as a Premier League club since their promotion in 2021, having joined the Bees in May 2019 and helped shape a recruitment model widely admired across the division.

Brentford sporting director Phil Giles is also highly regarded by Liverpool’s hierarchy. Tempting him away from west London, though, is viewed as a far tougher task.

FSG have held talks with other external figures beyond Dykes as they test the market. The question now is whether Liverpool double down on a structure they already trust, or break the pattern and hand the keys to an outsider.