Sporting director Richard Hughes has backed Arne Slot and Liverpool's transfer strategy after Christophe Dugarry slammed the signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s
10:24, 04 Feb 2026
Richard Hughes is confident Liverpool's transfer strategy will pay off
Richard Hughes is confident Liverpool's transfer strategy will pay off(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool conducted minimal business during the winter transfer window as the Reds seek to revive their Premier League campaign.
Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet was secured in a deal worth around $82 million, though he won't arrive at Anfield until the summer. Arne Slot presided over a relatively subdued window in January. Jacquet's signature was accompanied by Mor Talla Ndiaye, Noah Adekoya and Ifeanyi Ndukwe joining to strengthen the academy structure.
Now, focus turns to the second half of the campaign, with the FA Cup and the Champions League still up for grabs on the red side of Merseyside. Here, Liverpool.com examines the latest developments emerging from Anfield.
READ MORE: Jamie Carragher makes bold Hugo Ekitike claim amid Fernando Torres comparisonsREAD MORE: Liverpool next transfer priority after Jeremy Jacquet as long-term plan comes together
Richard Hughes makes pledge
Sporting director Richard Hughes has outlined his strong relationship with Slot and confirmed that the club backs the Dutchman unequivocally. Hughes acknowledged that Liverpool cannot always deliver the signings the manager wants, but maintains it is a partnership that functions effectively under pressure.
Speaking next to Slot and chief executive officer Billy Hogan on the latest episode of The Reds Roundtable, Hughes explained: "Fundamentally, there's the understanding for both parties and everyone at wide, that everything involving matchday, team selection, tactics, that's always the manager or head coach. That's their domain. It's very important not to step into that.
"Of course, we talk about football and performances, but I always let Arne lead that. Naturally, in a conversation, I will come up with an opinion and not just react to Arne's, but always waiting for the right time to share these things is critical.
Hughes and Arne Slot spoke together earlier this week
Hughes and Arne Slot spoke together earlier this week(Image: Getty Images)
"Did it help that we came in together at the same point? Possibly. But it's more important that we had synergy right from the first moment. Understanding who he is as a football manager, how he wants to work, trying your best, and it's not always possible to put them in the best possible position to have all the tools they require, and that's what I feel my job is then."
Hughes is convinced that Liverpool's summer acquisitions will prove their worth and simply need time to settle in. This has become evident in recent weeks with Ekitike and Wirtz starting to discover some promising form in front of goal.
He contunued: "You want to be there to support them and not suffocate them with it, let them find their own feet. All these players are here for a very good reason, they are top players. Everybody has played their part in getting them to the club, and we were all very happy with what we did in the summer, not just me.
"Whether they are good, bad, or indifferent in terms of signings, there's no proprietary felt in my position, it's a collective effort that helps these boys translate their form for which they have been brought to the club and be the best version of themselves.
"As long as the players are the right ones in the first place, and we are absolutely convinced every time we bring someone in that they are, then the performances on the pitch will quickly follow."
Liverpool called 'suckers'
Christophe Dugarry branded Slot and his Liverpool hierarchy as "suckers" for pledging around $82 million to sign Jacquet from Rennes. Despite accumulating fewer than 60 first-team games at the senior level, the Reds stumped up the cash.
Speaking on the RMC radio programme 'Rothen s'enflamme,' World Cup winner Dugarry criticized Liverpool's decision, saying: "This isn't meant to offend the player, honestly, he's not to blame at all, and we wish him all the best because he's a good player.
"But when you have suckers like that... well done to Rennes. Rennes managed to find a sucker like Liverpool that was (willing to pay)."
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The Frenchman continued: "Let them continue, all these English clubs, sending tens of millions of euros. This isn't just a two-tiered football situation anymore, it's a football that's lost its mind. Let's stop trying to pretend there's a justification for it. There's no justification whatsoever."