Richard Hughes has stepped down as Liverpool's sporting director and is set to join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, the club has confirmed.
Short tenure coincided with heavy spending and managerial change
Hughes, 47, arrived at Anfield in June 2024 from AFC Bournemouth and leaves after less than three years in the role. His spell at Liverpool included an extensive recruitment programme this summer, with the club spending roughly £200m on transfers, and high-profile arrivals who carried considerable expectation.
During his time at Liverpool Hughes was central to several of the club's key decisions: he played a role in the appointment of Arne Slot as manager — who in his first season led Liverpool to a 20th Premier League title — and oversaw major moves in the transfer market, including the record £125m signing of Alexander Isak and the £116m acquisition of Florian Wirtz.
"I'll always follow and support the club with great affection, and I wish everyone involved nothing but success for this season and beyond,"
The statement from Hughes, released by Liverpool, underlined his personal attachment to the club and his wishes for its future. Club owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) paid tribute to his work, with FSG president Mike Gordon praising Hughes for leading football operations and recruitment during a period of significant change.
Context and consequences for Liverpool's football operations
Hughes' departure had been widely anticipated: his contract ran to June 2027 and there had been persistent links to a role in Saudi Arabia, where fresh investment has seen a raft of European names head to the region. Liverpool confirmed preparatory work on summer deals was already advanced, and that Hughes remained in post until the close of the window to ensure continuity — most notably over the capture of winger Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain.
Hughes also had a prior working relationship with the club's current head coach, Andoni Iraola — whom he had employed while both were at Bournemouth — and that connection was cited as one reason the club agreed the changeover would be made now rather than earlier.
- Hughes joined Liverpool in June 2024 from Bournemouth.
- Oversaw approximately £200m of summer spending.
- Instrumental in managerial appointments and major signings.
Mike Gordon paid tribute to Hughes' contribution, noting the sporting director "embraced" responsibility at the start of a transitional period and provided support to the coaching staff while leading recruitment. Gordon said the results achieved during Hughes' tenure were testament to that contribution and wished him and his family well in their next venture.
| Signing | Reported Fee |
|---|---|
| Alexander Isak | £125m |
| Florian Wirtz | £116m |
| Bradley Barcola | Undisclosed (part of summer spend c. £200m) |
Hughes' tenure covered a tumultuous chapter at Anfield. After Klopp's long reign, Slot's initial success — taking the club to the title in his first season — was followed by a dip in form that culminated in a fifth‑place finish and Slot's departure. Andoni Iraola succeeded Slot, and Hughes' existing relationship with Iraola was one of the reasons FSG permitted Hughes to see through the transfer window before leaving.
Liverpool have started the process of appointing a successor. FSG remain in overarching control of the process; Gordon has again taken a hands‑on role overseeing football operations following senior departures at the ownership level. The club said other senior figures in the football operations department will remain in place while a review of the structure continues.
Hughes leaves with a record of high‑value recruitment and clear fingerprints on the club's managerial choices. His move to Al Hilal will be watched keenly, as will the identity of the person or structure charged with steering Liverpool's recruitment and sporting strategy next.
