**_RIYADH_**: Richard Hughes has been appointed sporting director of Al-Hilal of the Saudi Pro League club after his departure from Liverpool.
Hughes, 47, joined Liverpool in 2024 from Bournemouth. He appointed Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp’s successor as manager, a decision that paid immediate dividends as the Reds claimed the Premier League title in 2024-25. Slot was then sacked and replaced by Andoni Iraola in June.
“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,” the SPL leaders said in a statement.
The appointment highlights Al-Hilal’s drive to tap into English football expertise, with Hughes the latest former Premier League figure to join the Riyadh-based club.
Hughes follows Gabriel Martinelli, Crysencio Summerville and Ollie Watkins, who joined the Saudi club this year from Arsenal, West Ham United and Aston Villa, respectively.
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