Liverpool's transfer spending under Richard Hughes reached around $900m, with the sporting director overseeing a number of major deals during his two-year tenure
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JULY 09: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Sporting director Richard Hughes of Liverpool during an U21 training session at AXA Training Centre on July 09, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Richard Hughes oversaw a number of major transfers during his time as sporting director(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool spent around $900 million on transfers during Richard Hughes’ two-year spell as sporting director, with the Scot overseeing some of the biggest deals in the club’s history before his exit was confirmed.
In a statement released on Saturday, just four days after the transfer window closed, the club said: "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."
It added: "The process of appointing a successor is under way and the outcome will be confirmed in due course."
In the short term, Liverpool believe Hughes’ remaining responsibilities can be absorbed by other senior figures, including FSG technical director Julian Ward, director of football development Pedro Marques, assistant sporting director David Woodfine, chief scout Barry Hunter and new head coach Andoni Iraola.
The Scot’s departure, with the 40-year-old expected to join Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, follows the decision of Michael Edwards, Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of Football, to leave as the upheaval in the boardroom at Anfield continues.
Hughes had told Liverpool earlier this year that he wanted to leave, but it was agreed he would remain in his role until the end of the transfer window. During that period, Liverpool completed the signing of Bradley Barcola for $167 million.
Liverpool feared missing out on key targets particularly Barcola if Hughes departed earlier, while his relationship with Iraola, whom he first appointed at Bournemouth before bringing him to Merseyside, was viewed as crucial to the club’s summer plans.
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool (R) and Alexander Isak of Liverpool look on during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como Calcio
Richard Hughes oversaw the signings of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak (Image: (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images))
Hughes oversaw a period of heavy spending at Anfield, including a record outlay of around $609 million in the summer 2025 window, when Florian Wirtz, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a deal worth up to $157 million (£116 million) including add-ons, before Alexander Isak arrived for $170 million (£125 million).
The arrival of Barcola this week took Liverpool’s transfer spending during Hughes’ time at Anfield to around $907 million. Hughes joined Liverpool in 2024 from Bournemouth and played a key role in selecting Arne Slot as the replacement for departing manager Jurgen Klopp.
The Dutchman guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season at Anfield, but Hughes then made the decision to sack Slot a year later after Liverpool finished fifth and appoint Iraola.
Hughes is expected to move to Saudi Arabia, with his departure from Anfield having been anticipated since the start of the summer. The Scot is due to reunite with his former Bournemouth colleague Simon Francis at Al-Hilal.
Despite speculation that Hughes had already begun working for Al-Hilal, Liverpool are satisfied that he honored an agreement to work exclusively for the club during this period.