**Liverpool are continuing their search for a new sporting director, and now journalist Graeme Bailey has provided an update regarding the situation.**
Richard Hughes has departed as a divisive figure after a disappointing summer transfer window, but the Scot sent a [nice goodbye message](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-fc-statement-14) earlier this month, saying:
_“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. That is something I will always be grateful for._
_“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.”_
According to [_TEAMtalk_](https://www.teamtalk.com/liverpool/eight-names-in-frame-richard-hughes-successor-thiago-pinto-bournemouth-exclusive), FSG are now “already assessing the merits of several potential candidates” for the vacant sporting director role, but the “current thinking is that an internal appointment is the most likely outcome.”
The report adds that Liverpool “have a number of established figures within their own structure who could step into the role”, as they take their time over the decision.
**A vital decision for FSG before they depart**
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It does feel as though FSG’s time at Liverpool is slowly coming to an end, following the recent sale of a share of the club to a Jeff Bezos-led consortium.
But before they do depart, it is essential that they bring in the right sporting director after Hughes, ensuring the Reds are in capable hands moving forward.
Ultimately, Hughes was underwhelming, with last summer looking more like a big-spending failure by the month, and not enough additions in key areas made this time around.
It is better to take their time over the decision instead of rushing it, and if FSG feel an in-house appointment is best – Julian Ward has been mentioned as possibly returning to the role – they need to be trusted.