**Reports indicate that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is in ‘advanced talks’ to leave the club for Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal.**
The Reds are in a critical phase of a new era under former Bournemouth Andoni Iraola, which will require a new recruitment strategy after Arne Slot was sacked by FSG.
The Spanish manager has an entirely different football philosophy compared to Slot, who favoured a traditionally Dutch ‘total football’ approach, preferring aggressive, front-foot tactics.
This means Liverpool will return to a similar tactical approach to the one the Merseysiders witnessed under iconic manager Jurgen Klopp.
So, to learn that Hughes is considering leaving for Al Hilal quite concerning.
Richard Hughes in ‘advanced talks’ to become Al Hilal’s new sporting director
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According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Liverpool could soon see a change in their executive leadership, with Hughes in talks to join Al Hilal from next season.
He reports: _“Richard Hughes close to Al Hilal!_
_“Liverpool FC’s current sporting director is in advanced talks with Saudi officials to become Al Hilal’s new sporting director._
_“Saudi plan’s for Hughes is to let him work on the Reds’ next window before beginning a potential move.”_
> ? EXCL- Richard Hughes close to Al Hilal!
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> ?? Liverpool FC’s current sporting director is in advanced talks with Saudi officials to become Al Hilal’s new sporting director.
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> ? Saudi plan’s for Hughes is to let him work on the Reds’ next window before beginning a potential… [pic.twitter.com/PObM3qL2jV](https://t.co/PObM3qL2jV)
>
> — Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) [June 7, 2026](https://x.com/sachatavolieri/status/2063640760633700475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Liverpool set for more major change as new era beckons
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If Hughes leaves, it will mean Liverpool will have seen five different sporting directors take the role in four years which is a major concern.
Michael Edwards, now CEO of Football for FSG, was the club’s director between November 2016 and the summer of 2022. He was then replaced by Julian Ward in 2022, who last just a year. Then came Jorg Schmadtke, who filled the role for just six months. Richard Hughes then arrived at the club in June 2024.
While it’s reported that Al Hilal will not sign Hughes until the current window is over, it does make me wonder how effective he will be with his mind likely to drift towards his potential new role.
This is purely speculation for the time being, but so much turnover in such a vital role within FSG’s structure at Liverpool leaves a lot of burning questions to be answered.