Richard Hughes has been persistently linked with a move to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, and he is reportedly expected to make the move at the end of the summer
11:58, 25 Jun 2026
Richard Hughes only joined Liverpool in 2024
Richard Hughes only joined Liverpool in 2024(Image: (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images))
Richard Hughes is reportedly expected to leave Liverpool following this summer's transfer window, with Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal his next destination.
It is claimed that Hughes has been in talks with Al Hilal for several months, and will complete his move to Saudi Arabia after concluding Liverpool 's transfer business ahead of the new season.
Hughes only joined Liverpool two years ago, and his apparent impending exit raises questions over which direction the Reds' sporting structure will go in next. Hughes' current contract at Liverpool is due to expire next year, as is the contract of FSG's chief executive of soccer Michael Edwards.
Edwards has also been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in recent months, although it has consistently been reported in England that both Edwards is expected to see out his contract on Merseyside.
Edwards made his name at Liverpool as the sporting director between 2016 and 2022, and returned to the set-up in 2024, with one of his main tasks as an employee of FSG to build a multi-club model, similar to the City Football Group model, of which Manchester City as a part.
However, FSG has since changed its mind on that approach, deeming many of the clubs that it looked at to be overvalued, which could leave Edwards searching for a new challenge.
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is expected to depart the club for Saudi Arabia
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is expected to depart the club for Saudi Arabia(Image: Getty Images)
Before departing for Saudi Arabia, Liverpool's fans will be hoping that Hughes can wrap up a deal to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.
It has been obvious for months that the Reds are in dire need of more pace and quality in wide areas ahead of next season.
Spanish winger Victor Munoz became the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era last week, and he won't be the last, with Diomande the Reds' top target on the right flank.
Yan Diomande in action at the World Cup
Hughes is working on a deal to sign Yan Diomande(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool has already made it known to RB Leipzig that it would be willing to pay a package worth around €100 million ($115 million/£85 million) for Diomande.
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Diomande is clearly a major talent, as he has shown at this summer's World Cup with Ivory Coast. He was a strong performer against Ecuador on matchday one, and then created his side's goal against Germany by showcasing his blistering pace to stand up and beat Joshua Kimmich.
At club level, after arriving at Leipzig from Leganes a year ago, the Ivorian scored 13 goals and assisted another 10 in all competitions.