Liverpool’s summer transfer window has ended, and with it, so too has Richard Hughes’ tenure as sporting director.
A report from The Athletic on Wednesday shows that Hughes will vacate his post as sporting director effective immediately, despite his contract only expiring in 2027.
James Pearce reports in his end-of-summer review: “Sporting director Richard Hughes, whose contract expires next summer, is also set to move on now the window has shut, having been pursued by Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal. But with FSG president Mike Gordon resuming oversight of Liverpool’s day-to-day running, Hughes still led the way in terms of conducting transfer business this summer.”
Despite suggestions that the 47-year-old was also working for Al Hilal this summer, Liverpool and Hughes part ways on “good terms.”
Pearce said: “Hughes endured a torrent of criticism online for not doing more deals, but sources close to the Scot and senior Liverpool sources have all emphatically dismissed suggestions that he was dividing his time between Liverpool and his upcoming new role. All parties insist there was no conflict of interest. He will leave on good terms.”
[?] INFO: Sources close to Richard Hughes and senior Liverpool sources have all emphatically dismissed suggestions that he was dividing his time between Liverpool and his upcoming new role.
All parties insist there was no conflict of interest.
He will leave on good terms.…
— Anfield Sector (@AnfieldSector) September 2, 2026
Two private jets scheduled to leave Liverpool today
The first jet is said to be likely to carry Richard Hughes home to Bournemouth before he leaves for his new role with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
This information is shared by Sky Sports’ Nicholas Bieber on X.
?? INFO: Two notable departures from Liverpool today…
? LIVERPOOL ?? LONDON STANSTED
? 4:00pm ? 4:40pm
?? Boeing 737
?? Operator: 2Excel
? Reason: Liverpool squad travelling ahead of tomorrow night’s game vs Ipswich Town.
? LIVERPOOL ?? BOURNEMOUTH
? 6:05pm ? 6:55pm
??… pic.twitter.com/XXSTE101e6
— Nicholas Bieber (@nickbieber) September 3, 2026
The second of the jets is likely to carry the Liverpool squad to London, from where they will travel to face Ipswich Town on Friday night in their third Premier League game of the season.
Liverpool will get to see their £123m new signing Bradley Barcola in action for the first time.
Andoni Iraola confirmed that the 23-year-old winger will be ready to play his first game for the club against Ipswich.
He said: “We are very happy with Bradley, it was our priority to sign a very very good player in those positions. He has come also with the right mentality. I like that he wanted Liverpool a lot.
“He wanted to come here. It’s a good first sign and being the player he is he has come with the willingness to help us. He is playing well for us and if everything goes well in training today he will definitely be available for us tomorrow…”