Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is now expected to leave the club for Al-Hilal, with his move to Saudi Arabia likely to occur after this transfer window.
Hughes has been on the radar of Al-Hilal for a number of months, with ongoing reports that the 47-year-old had already agreed to join as their sporting director.
While those have been played down by sources closer to Merseyside, The Athletic‘s David Ornstein now reports that he is “expected” to make the switch.
This comes with Hughes’ former Bournemouth colleague Simon Francis vacating his position as technical director at the south-coast club to take over in a similar role at Al-Hilal this summer.
They are set to be reunited in Riyadh after the current transfer window, though the exact date of Hughes’ move from Liverpool is yet to be clarified.
Who will replace Richard Hughes at Liverpool?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Hughes’ contract expires in 2027 and he is “fully focused on Liverpool’s summer transfer business and supporting the club’s new head coach Andoni Iraola throughout the current market.”
There could be understandable concerns over his priorities given his next role is already lined up, however.
The Scot holds the role of sporting director at Liverpool but works in collaboration with CEO of football Michael Edwards, along with assistant sporting director David Woodfine and Fenway Sports Group technical director Julian Ward.
His eventual departure will require a replacement and there are suggestions that Woodfine – who led Iraola’s tour of the AXA Training Centre on his arrival at the club – could be promoted.
An internal hire may be preferred given the instability experienced in recent years as Jurgen Klopp‘s reign came to an end and Arne Slot‘s two-year spell brought major transition on and off the pitch.
Hughes only joined Liverpool in 2024 but the Telegraph‘s Sam Wallace reported in April that he, like Edwards, had only intended to see out his initial three-year contract.
Edwards is also attracting interest in Saudi Arabia and the 47-year-old is anticipated to leave after Liverpool owners FSG shelved plans for a multi-club model.
The group had previously explored deals to take over a number of clubs including Getafe, Malaga and Bordeaux.