**Liverpool have confirmed Richard Hughes’ departure as sporting director.**
Hughes became the fourth person to hold the key recruitment position at Anfield in as many years after Michael Edwards, Julian Ward and Jorge Schmadtke.
The 47-year-old’s departure was widely expected after the summer transfer window with a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal set to be his next career move.
During his two-year spell in the Reds’ hierarchy, Hughes oversaw almost £630 million worth of investment in new signings across five transfer windows.
His exit comes just weeks after longstanding friend Edwards announced he was [stepping down as CEO of Football for the club’s owners Fenway Sports Group](https://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc/66399-michael-edwards-quits-liverpool-for-second-time/).
FSG president Mike Gordon will lead the search for Hughes’ successor, having taken back over Liverpool’s day-to-day operations in the wake of Edwards leaving.
He said: “Richard joined us at the start of a period of change, embracing that responsibility by leading our football operations department and overseeing recruitment while also providing valuable support to our coaching staff.
“The results we achieved in these areas during this period are testament to this contribution.
“Nevertheless, we respect Richard’s life choices and wish him and his family well in their next venture.”