Former Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes' move to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League has been confirmed, with two Liverpool staff following him to the Middle East
Former Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has secured a new job
Former Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has secured a new job(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal has confirmed the appointment of Richard Hughes as its new sporting director after the former Bournemouth player's Liverpool departure was announced on Saturday.
Liverpool's majority owner, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), said in a statement via its president, Mike Gordon: "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."
Alongside Hughes, Mark Burchill has been appointed as director of recruitment at Al Hilal and Craig McKee is the new director of scouting.
Burchill and McKee previously worked for Liverpool and had followed Hughes from the south coast in 2024.
Al Hilal said in its own statement to confirm the move: "The board of directors of Al Hilal Club Company, headed by His Highness Prince Nawaf bin Saad, finalized the contract with Scottish national Richard Hughes to assume the position of sporting director at the club, and he commenced his duties today upon his arrival in Riyadh.
Hughes has exited his role as Liverpool's sporting director
Hughes has exited his role as Liverpool's sporting director(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
"The appointment of Hughes came as part of Al Hilal's efforts to strengthen its football system and develop its sporting structure with specialized expertise.
"This will contribute to raising the quality of technical work, developing recruitment and scouting processes, and enhancing integration across all aspects related to the football sector.
"The board of directors expressed its deepest gratitude and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed bin Talal for funding the contracts of the sports management team.
"It is an extension of his exceptional support for Al-Hilal and his commitment to strengthening the club's structure with qualified talent, thus supporting its sporting journey and achieving its future aspirations."
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Harry Arter, the former Bournemouth midfielder, has been appointed as senior technical scout.
Five games into the new Saudi Pro League season, Al Hilal is top of the standings. It has won all five fixtures so far, conceding only three goals in that period.
At Liverpool, the process of finding a replacement for Hughes is already underway. It was almost an open secret that he would be leaving following the conclusion of the summer transfer window.
This summer, Hughes signed Victor Munoz, Ronald Araujo and Bradley Barcola for the Reds. He had also previously lined up a deal worth up to $83 million (£60 million) for center-back Jeremy Jacquet.