Liverpool hunt new sporting director after Hughes joins Al‑Hilal
As the empty stands of Anfield echo with change, Liverpool confirmed that sporting director Richard Hughes will depart for Saudi side Al‑Hilal, a move that marks the club’s fifth sporting director appointment since 2022 and adds another chapter to a summer of upheaval.
Ownership reshuffle
Last month FSG disclosed the sale of a minority share in Liverpool to Amit Bhatia’s 1892 Holdings. The consortium includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, expanding the club’s international investor base. The deal, confirmed in July, follows a period of significant boardroom activity.
Sporting director carousel
At the end of the previous season Liverpool replaced Arne Slot with Andoni Iraola as head coach. Earlier that year, Michael Edwards, who had served as FSG’s CEO of football, resigned in July, prompting a reshuffle of senior staff. The vacancy set the stage for a new sporting director search.
Edwards vacated the sporting director role in 2022 and was succeeded by Julian Ward, now FSG’s technical director. Ward’s tenure ended in 2023 when Jorg Schmadtke took over, before Richard Hughes arrived in 2024.
During his first year Hughes oversaw the appointment of Arne Slot, who guided Liverpool to their second Premier League title. Hughes earned credit for that success, even though he later participated in the decision to dismiss Slot.
Hughes later backed the hiring of Andoni Iraola and presided over the 2025 summer transfer window, in which Liverpool spent a record £415 million, including over £100 million on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
Earlier this year Hughes informed the owners of his desire for a fresh challenge, agreeing to remain until the close of the summer window. The arrangement respected his existing relationship with Iraola and ensured continuity through the transfer period.
Despite rumours that Hughes was already working for Al‑Hilal, Liverpool confirmed that he honoured an agreement to serve only the club during the window. The board expressed satisfaction that the transition was managed without disruption.
The search for a fifth sporting director in just two years underscores the scale of change at Liverpool, as ownership, coaching and recruitment structures continue to evolve. The next appointment will shape Liverpool’s strategy as they aim to compete on both domestic and continental fronts.