Richard Hughes has stepped down as Liverpool’s sporting director and is expected to take up a similar position at Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
Hughes, 47, spent two-and-a-half years at Anfield after being appointed in March 2024. He leaves the club after overseeing the latest summer transfer window and playing a central role in the squad rebuild that followed Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
One of his first major decisions was the appointment of Arne Slot as Klopp’s successor. Slot went on to lead Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season.
The second campaign proved considerably more difficult, following the tragic death of Diogo Jota and further changes to the squad. Hughes departs with Liverpool having spent around £700 million on new players during his tenure.
At the same time, the club generated approximately £250 million in transfer sales and sought to lower the squad’s average age by recruiting several high-profile players under the age of 26. The arrivals included Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola and Hugo Ekitike, alongside young centre-backs Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni.
Hughes departure had been expected
Speculation linking Hughes with Al-Hilal had been circulating since last year, around the time Michael Edwards privately informed Liverpool that he intended to leave his role as Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football.
Hughes’ eventual departure had therefore been widely anticipated, with reports in July indicating that he was expected to join former colleague Simon Francis in Saudi Arabia.
Despite knowing that Hughes would leave after the transfer window, senior FSG figures are understood to have remained confident in his commitment to Liverpool.
He continued to work on the club’s transfer plans, including the pursuit of Barcola, while also recommending Andoni Iraola as a potential new head coach. Hughes previously worked with Iraola at Bournemouth during a successful spell at the club.
FSG president Mike Gordon will now oversee the search for Hughes’ successor.
Liverpool consider internal options
Liverpool are expected to assess candidates from within the organisation, although the club has not ruled out making an external appointment.
FSG technical director Julian Ward is likely to be among those considered. Ward previously served as Liverpool’s sporting director during the 2022-23 season.
Current assistant sporting director David Woodfine and FSG director of football development Pedro Marques are also expected to be considered. All three remain part of the club’s football operation.
Hughes’ exit marks another change at the top of Liverpool’s football structure as the club continues to reshape its squad and leadership following the end of the Klopp era.
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