Hughes leaves Liverpool sporting director role for Saudi move

Richard Hughes has left his position as Liverpool's sporting director and is poised to join Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. The 47-year-old had held the role since June 2024, having moved from a comparable job at Bournemouth, and although his contract ran until June 2027, his departure had long been anticipated.

This summer Hughes directed roughly £200m worth of transfer activity for the club, among them the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain. In a statement issued by Liverpool, Hughes said he would continue to follow and support the club with great affection and wished everyone involved success this season and beyond.

Hughes joined Anfield following the exit of long-serving manager Jurgen Klopp and played a key part in bringing in his successor, Arne Slot, who guided Liverpool to a 20th English top-flight title in his debut season. During Hughes' tenure the club also completed a record £125m deal for Alexander Isak and paid £116m for Florian Wirtz.

However, Slot could not sustain that early form, and Liverpool slipped to fifth place last season, a result that led to the Dutch manager's exit and his replacement by Andoni Iraola, a manager Hughes had previously worked alongside at Bournemouth.

Mike Gordon, president of Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group, said Hughes had joined during a period of change and had taken on responsibility for the football operations department, recruitment and support for the coaching staff, adding that the results achieved reflected his contribution. Gordon said the club respected Hughes' personal decision and wished him and his family well in their next venture.