**Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is set for Al-Hilal. Here is why his sudden departure leaves new manager Andoni Iraola under instant pressure.**
Liverpool’s summer has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn. The ruthless decision to sack Arne Slot—with the hierarchy deciding the team was “going backwards under the Dutchman” paved the way for Bournemouth’s manager Andoni Iraola to take the reigns at Anfield.
The Spaniard arrived with massive pedigree, having overseen fantastic growth on the South Coast where they finished sixth and three points behind the Reds, turning a lower-mid-table side into European contenders. The hope at Anfield was that a similar bounce would get the Reds”back challenging for the title.
Instead, Iraola faces immediate, unprecedented pressure before even meeting his players.
[_The Athletic_](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7242920/2026/07/02/richard-hughes-liverpool-al-hilal-saudi/) [understands](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7242920/2026/07/02/richard-hughes-liverpool-al-hilal-saudi/) that sporting director Richard Hughes is expected to take over at Al-Hilal later this summer. Hughes has long been linked with the Saudi Pro League champions, where his long-time assistant, Steve Francis, is already working.
It leaves Iraola in a bizarre position. The executive who spearheaded his appointment won’t be sticking around for his actual work, leaving the manager to adjust to a new boss within months.
This new director won’t have staked his reputation on Iraola. Consequently, the manager must convince the sporting director that he’s the right man for the job all over again” He will not get the same “benefit of the doubt” Slot would have enjoyed under Hughes.
The timing is far from ideal. Hughes connection to Iraola was vital, as Liverpool’s summer plans have been shaped by a relatively tight circle of trust.
Now, Liverpool’s immediate list is heavy with moving parts. The defensive succession plan has already been accelerated by Ibrahima Konate’s Real Madrid exit.
Meanwhile, the midfield picture still carries questions around Curtis Jones, Stefan Bajcetic and Harvey Elliott.
For Al-Hilal, Hughes brings a premium profile to a league looking to professionalise its football departments rather than simply outspend Europe.
For Liverpool, his exit threatens crucial momentum. Recruitment relies on accumulated conviction months of scouting, medicals, and price mapping. Without the executive to finalise these deals, Liverpool must find a swift successor, or risk drifting into panic premiums while rivals like Arsenal,Manchester United Chelsea, Spurs, and Newcastle move fast.