Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has stepped down from his role after a two-year tenure, with the 47-year-old executive expected to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. His departure follows a major summer transfer window and comes amid recent managerial changes.
Liverpool confirmed the departure of their Scottish sporting director on Saturday, bringing a swift conclusion to weeks of speculation surrounding his future. Hughes had arrived at Anfield in June 2024 from Bournemouth during a period of massive transition following the exit of long-time manager Jürgen Klopp. Working alongside former head coach Arne Slot, Hughes helped deliver immediate domestic success with the 2024-25 Premier League crown and Champions League qualification.
Leadership Transitions and the Exit to Al-Hilal
While Liverpool did not formally detail his next destination in their initial club statement, previous press reports confirmed Hughes will become Al-Hilal’s new sporting director as soon as the summer transfer window closes. The move reunites Hughes with former AFC Bournemouth technical director Simon Francis, who joined up with the Saudi club after running operations during the recent summer market.
Hughes’ impending switch to Saudi Arabia follows an aggressive recruitment drive by Al-Hilal, which spent close to £180m on Premier League talent over the summer. The 21-time Saudi champions secured Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal for £60m, Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa in a £51m deal, and Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United for £60m.
“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.”
Richard Hughes, via 101greatgoals
Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon acknowledged the contributions made during a turbulent operational chapter. Richard joined us at the start of a period of change, embracing that responsibility by leading our football operations department and overseeing recruitment while also providing valuable support to our coaching staff,
Gordon said in a statement published by the club.
Recruitment Record and Squad Overhaul at Anfield
Hughes’ two-year tenure at Anfield proved eventful on and off the pitch. During his opening summer, he oversaw a transfer spend of about £200m, bringing in high-profile additions like Alexander Isak for a club-record £125m, Florian Wirtz for £116m, and Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.
However, the squad faced persistent criticism regarding its overall balance and depth. Following a disappointing 2025–26 campaign where Liverpool failed to defend their title and finished fifth, Slot was dismissed and replaced by Andoni Iraola—with whom Hughes had previously worked at Bournemouth.
Financial analysis of the most recent window also highlighted difficulties in player sales.
The Executive Vacuum at Fenway Sports Group
Hughes is the latest high-ranking executive to exit the club following the departure of Michael Edwards, who left his role as CEO of football for Fenway Sports Group in July. Edwards previously served as Liverpool’s sporting director during the club’s trophy-laden era under Jürgen Klopp.
The club confirmed that the process to find Hughes’ successor is already underway. Oversight of the transition will be driven by Mike Gordon, alongside a remaining recruitment team that includes FSG technical director Julian Ward, football development director Pedro Marques, assistant David Woodfine, and chief scout Barry Hunter.
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