Liverpool have confirmed Richard Hughes has stepped down as the club’s sporting director after a two-year reign.
The Reds now seek to find a replacement for Hughes, which is being led by Fenway Sports Group (FSG) president Mike Gordon.
The Scot had already informed Liverpool’s ownership of his desire to seek a fresh challenge.
But Hughes was asked to remain in his position for the 2026-27 summer transfer window.
He oversaw the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to £123 million.
The 47-year-old is expected to join Al Hilal, who are the most successful club in Saudi Arabia with a record 21 league titles.
The Saudi Pro League side are currently managed by Simone Inzaghi and boast a squad featuring several world-class talents, including Darwin Nunez, Ollie Watkins and Gabriel Martinelli.
Hughes joined Liverpool in 2024 after his impressive work at Bournemouth, where he helped sign the likes of Nathan Ake and Dominic Solanke.
He was instrumental in hiring Arne Slot as the replacement for Jurgen Klopp.
The Dutchman won the Premier League title in his first season but was sacked at the end of last season following a fifth-place league finish.
Hughes was also involved in Andoni Iraola’s appointment as new head coach in June.
Liverpool spent £670 million on transfers under the Scottish executive, including a British record fee of £125m for Alexander Isak.
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