Despite claims Richard Hughes was pulling double duty as sporting director at Al-Hilal, Liverpool are reportedly “satisfied” his focus was at Anfield this summer.
Hughes is expected to take up a position with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in the near future, after officially stepping down from his role at Liverpool.
The Scot was first linked with Al-Hilal in October 2025, with claims of talks between the two parties, while in March of this year it was reported that a deal had been agreed.
While the timeline of Hughes’ decision is unclear, investigative journalist Romain Molina was among those to claim on X that he was “already overseeing this summer transfer window for the Saudi club.”
But various sources insist Liverpool are “satisfied” that was not the case, with the Guardian‘s Andy Hunter among those to uphold their stance that he “worked for them alone throughout this period.”
When Richard Hughes told Liverpool he was leaving
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 1, 2025: Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 1, 2025: Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The setup is nevertheless questionable, with Hughes’ long-time associate Simon Francis leaving Bournemouth in May and officially becoming Al-Hilal’s technical director in July.
A conflict of interest could have been raised when Liverpool began pursuing Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr, with the 28-year-old also a target for Al-Hilal.
Nevertheless, it is maintained that Hughes was key in overseeing the transition in the Anfield dugout with Andoni Iraola and the signings and sales made this summer, most notably Bradley Barcola’s £123 million arrival.
Hughes is reported to have informed Liverpool of his intention to leave following Michael Edwards’ resignation in July.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 4, 2025: Liverpool's Director of Football Michael Edwards before the FA Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 4, 2025: Liverpool's Director of Football Michael Edwards before the FA Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
However, Edwards communicated his decision to move on in the autumn of 2025, which of course would align with the initial reports of Hughes’ conversations with Al-Hilal.
Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon, who is overseeing the process of replacing Hughes, said in a statement on Saturday: “We respect Richard’s life choices and wish him and his family well in their next venture.”
Hughes own words focused on his pride at working for Liverpool and praise for those who remain at the club.
“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,” he said.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 27, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 5-1 and became League Champions. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 27, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 5-1 and became League Champions. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“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.
“I’ll always follow and support the club with great affection, and I wish everyone involved nothing but success for this season and beyond.”
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Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Chelsea FC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – FA Premier League – Chelsea FC v Liverpool FC
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 4, 2025: Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes during the FA Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)