Richard Hughes during a Liverpool press conference
Richard Hughes has stepped down as Liverpool's sporting director, the club have confirmed.
Hughes, who had been in the role since June 2024, is in line to join Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal.
Arne Slot and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes3
Hughes has been pulling the strings at Liverpool for two years
The former Bournemouth director oversaw a turbulent period for the Reds, arriving after the departure of Jurgen Klopp.
He played an instrumental role in the appointment of Arne Slot, who won the Premier League title in his first season, before getting sacked at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
Most recently, Hughes was heavily involved in the club's £123million deal to sign Bradley Barcola on Tuesday.
His exit follows the departure of Michael Edwards as FSG's CEO of Football at Anfield.
A succession plan is now being led by Mike Gordon, who has taken day-to-day oversight after Edwards left.
talkSPORT understands Hughes made the decision to leave earlier this year, but agreed to stay at Liverpool until the end of the window to avoid disrupting their summer transfer window.
A club statement read: “Liverpool FC can confirm Richard Hughes has stepped down as sporting director.
“Hughes, who moved to Anfield from AFC Bournemouth in June 2024, departs with the best wishes of everyone at LFC having informed the club’s ownership of his desire to seek a fresh challenge.
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Hughes added: “First and foremost, I would like to reiterate what I said upon my arrival – it has been a source of great pride to have been given the opportunity to serve this incredible and unique institution. That is something I will always be grateful for.
“My appreciation extends to ownership for their support and leadership, to club staff at all levels who give so much to make Liverpool FC what it is, to the players who make such an enormous contribution and to the fans who support the team in great numbers whenever and wherever games take place.
Richard Hughes and Arne Slot during a press conference3
Hughes was with Bournemouth's recruitment team under Eddie Howe before he moved to Liverpool in 2024 and helped oversee Arne Slot's appointment
“I’ll always follow and support the club with great affection, and I wish everyone involved nothing but success for this season and beyond.”
Following Hughes' departure, Liverpool have already begun the search for his successor.
The Reds are looking to find his successor as soon as possible, with Gordon being helped in the day-to-day oversight of football operations at Anfield.
Gordon is being supported by FSG Technical Directors Julian Ward and Director of Football Development Pedro Marques, as well as Assistant Sporting Director David Woodfine, chief scout Barry Hunter and the senior leadership team at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre.
Richard Hughes' Liverpool career
Hughes' tenure has been eye-catching to say the least, with Liverpool's 2025 summer spending spree making the headlines.
After winning the Premier League the season before, he then oversaw a huge transfer window as the Reds splashed out a whopping £446million on new recruits.
Alexander Isak before Liverpool's clash with Ipswich3
Alexander Isak is Hughes' biggest signing at Liverpool, who scored twice in their 2-0 win over Ipswich
This saw Liverpool twice break the British transfer record with the £116.5marrival of Florian Wirtz, and then again whenAlexander Isak joined for £125m.
However, Hughes' business came in for scrutiny after Isak and Wirtz both struggled in their debut seasons at Anfield.
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