Julian Ward's time as Liverpool sporting director will be remembered as short but sweet once he leaves the post next summer.
The Anfield chief only made the step up from deputy sporting director upon Michael Edwards' exit earlier this year but is already preparing to leave after one season in the main role. Ward's desire to take a break from football left the club's hierarchy disappointed but this is understandable after a decade of stellar service in a variety of roles on Merseyside.
After being lined up as Edwards' successor, Ward played a pivotal role as Liverpool sprung a surprise in the January transfer window earlier this year. Out of the blue, the Reds struck a deal to sign Luis Diaz from Porto for a fee which could rise to £50million.
On that occasion, Liverpool pipped Tottenham to the Colombian's signature and Ward drew the acclaim of the Anfield faithful for masterminding the quick-fire swoop. It appears as though the former Manchester City scout has pulled off a similar trick ahead of this winter's transfer window.
On Boxing Day night, PSV Eindhoven announced they have agreed a deal with Liverpool for the sale of in-demand Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo. The deal is comprised of a £37million up-front fee which could rise to £45million with add-ons.
Just like he did almost 12 months earlier, Ward appears to have pipped a Premier League rival to the post: this time, none other than arch-rivals Manchester United. Before Monday evening's surprise announcement, Erik ten Hag's side were believed to be leading the race to sign Gakpo as the Dutchman sought to bring his compatriot to Old Trafford.
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However, Liverpool took decisive action to overtake United in the race to sign the 23-year-old on Jurgen Klopp's request. Mirror Football also understands Virgil van Dijk was instrumental to the transfer as he convinced his international teammate to join him at Anfield.
While the specifics of Ward's influence on the deal being reached are not known at this point, there is no successor lined up to replace him. Therefore, it is safe to assume he led negotiations, which were quickly completed after roughly 48 hours of talks between the two clubs.
Perhaps Ward's biggest masterstroke - and what could be his parting gift for Liverpool - was offering to pay the majority of the sum up front. In contrast, United allowed themselves to be gazumped by their rivals by choosing to put forward a structured deal which was far less appealing to PSV, who, naturally, would prefer to get their hands on the transfer funds sooner rather than later to reinvest them on a replacement.
The Reds will also need a replacement of a different sort next summer, when the highly-regarded Ward leaves his role.
