September 7 – Liverpool are looking for their fifth sporting director since 2022 after Richard Hughes quit the club after two years to take on a new role at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal.
Hughes told Liverpool early this year of his plans to leave, after his friend Michael Edwards quit as Liverpool owner FSG’s chief executive of football. With Hughes having put summer targets in motion, including the £123million signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, and working closely with new head coach Andoni Iraola, it was agreed he would stay until the transfer window shut.
SPL leaders Al-Hilal said Hughes’ appointment comes as part of the club’s efforts to strengthen their football system. Hughes is also the latest former Premier League figure to join Riyadh-based club, following players Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham United) and Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) who all signed this summer.
Two members of Liverpool’s recruitment department are set to follow Hughes to Saudi -Mark Burchill and Craig McKee, who moved to Anfield from Bournemouth with Hughes two years ago.
Liverpool’s search for a replacement sporting director is already underway, led by FSG president Mike Gordon, who took back day-to-day running of the club after Edwards left. Whoever comes in follows Edwards, Julian Ward, Jörg Schmadtke and Hughes through the same door in the last four years.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at nick.webster@insideworldfootball.com