Liverpool needs to bring in a replacement for sporting director Richard Hughes, with the process of identifying the best person for the role already underway at Anfield
Richard Hughes has exited his role as Liverpool sporting director.
Richard Hughes has exited his role as Liverpool sporting director.(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
In perhaps the least surprising news of the summer, Liverpool confirmed earlier on Saturday that sporting director Richard Hughes was leaving his position after two years at the helm.
Brought in from Bournemouth in 2024, Hughes oversaw the appointment of Arne Slot, who won the Premier League but was then fired a year later. He also brought in several high-profile signings including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, with Bradley Barcola — another £100M-plus addition — his final transfer.
"The results we achieved in these areas during (Hughes') period are testament to his contribution," FSG president Mike Gordon said in a statement. "Nevertheless, we respect Richard’s life choices and wish him and his family well in their next venture."
Hughes appears set to join Al Hilal, the Saudi Pro League club. But how and who could replace him at Liverpool, with a high-profile position needing to be filled?
Internally, there would appear to be some obvious candidates who could be considered. FSG technical director, Julian Ward, for instance, has already done the role, holding the position in 2022/23.
Liverpool's current assistant sporting director, David Woodfine, is another who would appear to be logical to consider, as well as Pedro Marques, who is FSG’s director of football development.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 25: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Barry Hunter, Julian Ward, Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes and David Woodfine pose for a photograph with the Premier League trophy, as Liverpool are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2024/25 Season, following Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Barry Hunter, Julian Ward, Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes and David Woodfine after Liverpool's Premier League title win in 2025(Image: Getty Images)
Externally, it is much harder to pinpoint exact names at this stage. Names like Frederic Massara and Sebastien Kehl were linked with Liverpool looked for a sporting director in 2024, but neither ultimately materialized.
Hughes is not the only person to leave Liverpool recently, or more accurately, to leave FSG. Michael Edwards, who was the club's first sporting director, left his role as FSG's CEO of football earlier this summer.
“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," Hughes said in a statement.
"That is something I will always be grateful for.
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"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."
Liverpool has more transfer business to do in 2027, while several players, including Virgil van Dijk, are out of contract next summer. Appointing a new sporting director quickly would therefore appear to be beneficial.