Liverpool search for new sporting director after Hughes' exit to Saudi Arabia
Liverpool are looking for their fifth sporting director since 2022 after Richard Hughes confirmed his move to Al-Hilal. His successor will inherit several pressing decisions, from player contracts to squad reinforcements.
Liverpool have confirmed Richard Hughes' departure to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, meaning the club now needs to appoint a new sporting director for the fifth time since 2022. Hughes joined Liverpool in the summer of 2024 and was responsible for the appointments of manager Arne Slot and later Andoni Iraola.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG) president Mike Gordon is leading the search for Hughes' replacement. Liverpool want to move quickly and are considering both internal candidates and outside appointments, with a preference for someone committed to the role long term.
Potential candidates
Among those mentioned as possible candidates are David Woodfine, who served as Hughes' assistant, Julian Ward, a former Liverpool sporting director now working as FSG's technical director, and Pedro Marques, FSG's director of football development. Paris St-Germain's Luis Campos is described as the strongest outside option, though considered unlikely to leave his current role.
Pressing issues to address
The new sporting director will need to decide on the futures of goalkeeper Alisson and captain Virgil van Dijk, both of whose contracts expire next summer. Both players remain among the best in their positions in Europe, but the squad already lacks experienced figures following the departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.
The midfield also requires attention, with Alexis Mac Allister's contract running until 2028 but no extension talks currently under way. The attacking options are seen as more settled, since several new signings were made during Hughes' time at the club.
The incoming director will also need to build a working relationship with manager Iraola, who signed only a two-year deal with Liverpool. Hughes played a key role in the decision to dismiss Slot and appoint Iraola, meaning his successor will also have significant influence over the manager's future.
