Richard Hughes quits as Liverpool sporting director for Al Hilal

Richard Hughes has stepped down as Liverpool’s sporting director, a role he has held since June 2024, and is set to become sporting director at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal after overseeing Liverpool’s £123 million signing of Bradley Barcola this week.

Hughes was recruited by the Reds after the departure of Jurgen Klopp, arriving from AFC Bournemouth where he had worked under Eddie Howe. The club saw his experience in rebuilding squads as essential for navigating the post‑Klopp era and restoring stability to the recruitment department.

Transfer strategy under Hughes

During his two‑year tenure, Hughes oversaw a massive spending spree, with Liverpool splashing out a reported £446 million on new recruits in the 2025 summer window. He also played an instrumental role in appointing Arne Slot, who guided the team to a Premier League title in his first season before being dismissed at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

Departure and new challenge

The decision to leave came days after the transfer window closed, a timing that says Hughes agreed to honour to avoid disrupting Liverpool’s summer business. His exit follows the earlier departure of Michael Edwards as FSG’s chief executive of football, and he will join Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

Following Hughes’ resignation, Liverpool announced that Mike Gordon will oversee day‑to‑day football operations while a succession search begins. Gordon is supported by technical directors Julian Ward and Pedro Marques, assistant sporting director David Woodfine, chief scout Barry Hunter and the senior leadership team at the AXA Training Centre.

For Liverpool, the loss means a rapid search for a replacement who can continue the aggressive recruitment policy that delivered the £123 million Barcola deal and the £446 million summer outlay. For Al Hilal, acquiring a director who has managed high‑profile transfers in the Premier League adds valuable expertise to their ambitious project in the Saudi Pro League.

Both clubs have expressed optimism: Liverpool wishes Hughes “nothing but success for this season and beyond”, while Hughes said he will “always follow and support the club with great affection”. The next few weeks will reveal who will steer Liverpool’s sporting strategy forward.