Richard Hughes has earned new praise inside Liverpool after his longtime work helped deliver Bradley Barcola, despite criticism over his impending Anfield exit
Richard Hughes speaks during a press conference
Richard Hughes was praised for his role in bringing Bradley Barcola to Liverpool before his impending club exit as sporting director
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes may be tipped to leave Anfield after two seasons, but one final transfer before the Premier League's deadline day this season could define his tenure with the club.
Hughes has been credited internally with laying the groundwork for Bradley Barcola's high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain. The back-to-back Champions League winner has already begun at the AXA Training Center on Tuesday.
Sources close to Fenway Sports Group reportedly view his work across the past 12 months as vital to getting the France international through the door before the summer window closed. The Reds currently sit 13th in the Premier League standings through two games this season.
Barcola eventually arrived in a deal worth around $165 million after a lengthy pursuit that stretched through the summer. The Reds tracked the winger for months while Hughes remained heavily involved in negotiations despite his impending departure for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
The Athletic reported that sources revealed Hughes pursued the deal for a year and was crucial in getting it over the line. The same report said Liverpool's decision to trust Hughes to continue leading the process this summer was viewed as vindicated.
Barcola now serves as one final parting gift to the club as Liverpool pursues a third Premier League title. He is a three-time Ligue 1 champion, scored 11 league goals in 29 appearances for PSG last season, and had a 14-goal, 10-assist season in 2024-25.
Bradley Barcola trains with Liverpool
Barcola's transfer fee accounted for most of Liverpool's window money spent
Support remains substantial after Hughes absorbed significant criticism from supporters over Liverpool's transfer activity. Fans believe that the squad's defensive midfielder position remains unaddressed.
Questions also surfaced about whether Hughes' upcoming move to Al-Hilal role diverted his attention during his final months at Anfield. Senior Liverpool sources strongly rejected that suggestion.
The report shares that the club “emphatically dismissed” claims that he was splitting his time between Liverpool and his next job and that Hughes will leave the club on good terms.
Richard Hughes joins head coach Andoni Iraola during a U21 training session
Hughes is expected to leave Liverpool for Saudi Arabia(Image: Getty Images)
Al-Hilal brought in Premier League-level talent during the window, including former West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Hughes also helped reshape Liverpool's squad with incomings Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo all joining during the 2026 window. He previously helped bring in Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The club also retained Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister despite both key players being linked with moves to other clubs. His tenure with the club has also included signing record-breaking deals for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
The Reds spent the seventh-highest amount in the league, approximately $307 million, based on live currency conversions. Barcola's transfer fee counted for nearly half of Liverpool's estimated $271 million net spending.