Richard Hughes is expected to stay as Liverpool sporting director this summer despite ongoing links with a new role at Al-Hilal and major doubts over his future.
This comes with Fenway Sports Group expected to provide further investment with as many as four new signings for the first-team squad.
That is according to talkSPORT‘s Alex Crook – who has strong connections to Hughes – and transfer journalist Ben Jacobs.
Reports in Saudi Arabia on Thursday morning claimed that the Scot would be announced as Al-Hilal’s next sporting director, but Crooks writes that “the Saudi club’s approach has been rebuffed.”
“FSG want him to stay,” he adds, “with full focus on an important transfer window for Liverpool.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 27, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 5-1 and became League Champions. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
That comes with Hughes “invested in rebuilding Liverpool, which was always planned to take several windows following the departure of Jurgen Klopp.”
Liverpool’s owners have an “acceptance” that three or four first-team players are required in the upcoming transfer window, which includes at least one winger.
Al-Hilal retain an interest in Hughes and it is noted that his contract with Liverpool only runs to 2027, as is the case with Michael Edwards and Arne Slot.
Liverpool to strengthen “four or five starting positions”
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 4, 2025: Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes before the FA Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, journalist David Ornstein explained that FSG intend to stick with Slot regardless of this season’s outcome.
“They would like to go into next season with him and give him a chance with new signings,” Ornstein said.
“The new signings are going to continue from what we hear. They need more players.”
Ornstein added: “I think there are four or five starting positions that Liverpool will feel they still need to work on as part of this project.”
Liverpool hold an interest in a number of wingers including RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Toure and Brighton‘s Yankuba Minteh, while long-term injury to Hugo Ekitike could prompt a move for a centre-forward.
Yan Diomande goal celebration (Photo by Tomasz Karczewski/Arena Akcji/Sipa USA) Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News
A new centre-back may be required and Bournemouth‘s Marcos Senesi has been reliably linked, and it can be argued that signings are required at both left-back and right-back.
One of the major areas of concerns comes in midfield, with Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister both struggling this season and the likes of Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo entering the final year of their contracts.
The Mail‘s Simon Jones reported on Wednesday that Liverpool were “putting feelers out in the market” for a new midfielder.