Liverpool may have finally clicked on the pitch but there is currently much uncertainty off it
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 04: Richard Hughes, sporting director at Liverpool fc during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on October 04, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Richard Hughes has joined Al-Hilal(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
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The Andoni Iraola era at Liverpool finally kicked into gear over the weekend and he will now hope that form translates into the Champions League on Wednesday night. The Reds confidently disposed of Ipswich Town In Iraola's third game in charge, with Alexander Isak netting a brace, following two draws.
The Basque manager will be taking on his very first game in Europe's premier competition as the mood around Anfield has been transformed thanks to the victory over the Tractor Boys. However, there are some causes for concern as the disruption off the field continues.
Two more exits confirmed
While Al-Hilal have confirmed the appointment of Hughes, Mark Burchill and Craig McKee, who moved to Liverpool with Hughes in the summer of 2024, have also left for the Saudi-based side.
The duo had worked alongside chief scout Barry Hunter in the recruitment department, overseeing the club's transfer business during the 2025 and 2026 transfer windows.
At Al-Hilal, Burchill will serve as director of recruitment, while McKee will serve as the club's director of scouting. Official confirmation of Hughes' move came a day after it was made public that he would be stepping down from his role at Anfield, after he joined from Bournemouth two seasons ago.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JULY 05: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Richard Hughes sporting director of Liverpool during his first press conference at AXA Training Centre on July 05, 2024 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Richard Hughes has left Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon is overseeing the search for a new sporting director. In a statement on their official website on Sunday evening, Al-Hilal said: "The appointment of Hughes came as part of Al-Hilal's efforts to strengthen its football system and develop its sporting structure with specialised 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."
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Concern over summer transfer raised
Liverpool may have some early concerns over Ifeanyi Ndukwe's loan spell at Levante, with the young defender yet to make an appearance. The 18-year-old made a switch to La Liga in the summer transfer window in an attempt to gain some experience, as well as the opportunity to become eligible for a work permit.
The centre-back impressed during Liverpool's pre-season, starting every game. For all three matches of his loan so far, Ndukwe has remained on the bench, with Adrian Dela and Aissa Mandi preferred.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe in action during pre-season
Ndukwe was signed from Austria Wien earlier this year(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Ndukwe's loan was essentially forced upon the Reds, as the club were unable to secure a work permit for the defender due to his lack of top-flight experience. Work permits are granted through a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE), which means the player must earn enough points to play in certain competitions.
Ndukwe will become eligible for a GBE once he starts one match in La Liga. Liverpool also have a potential break clause in the loan deal, meaning he could return to the club in January, should he earn the required amount of points.
However, the early signs are that game time for the starlet could be hard to come by. Simply, if he fails to get the minutes required them the loan will have been somewhat of a pointless endeavour for player and club.
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