Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes steps down

Liverpool have confirmed the departure of sporting director Richard Hughes, will sources telling ESPN he is expected to take up a similar role at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.

The 47-year-old joined the club from AFC Bournemouth in March 2024 and was tasked with leading the rebuild following the departure of manager Jürgen Klopp.

In a statement on Liverpool's website, Hughes said: 

"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.

"My appreciation extends to ownership for their support and leadership, to club staff at all levels who give so much to make Liverpool FC what it is, to the players who make such an enormous contribution and to the fans who support the team in great numbers whenever and wherever games take place.

"I'll always follow and support the club with great affection, and I wish everyone involved nothing but success for this season and beyond."

Hughes was responsible for appointing Arne Slot as Klopp's successor, with the Dutchman going on to win the Premier League in his first season at the club.

Hughes also played a key role in appointing Andoni Iraola as head coach following Slot's departure at the end of a disappointing 2025-26 campaign. Sources told ESPN the Scot informed the club of his decision to leave earlier this year, after longtime friend Michael Edwards told Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) of his plan to step down as their CEO of Football in autumn last year.

Hughes' involvement in planning for this summer's transfer window was at such an advanced stage that it was decided he would remain in post until the end of the window.

Sources told ESPN that at no point was permission sought or offered for Hughes to work for any other club during this period -- an agreement Liverpool believe was upheld, despite speculation to the contrary.

Liverpool are now in the process of appointing Hughes' successor, with the search being led by FSG president Mike Gordon. In the meantime, other members of Liverpool's football operations department will continue to oversee the club's strategy, with FSG Technical Director Julian Ward, FSG Director of Football Development Pedro Marques, Assistant Sporting Director David Woodfine, chief scout Barry Hunter and the senior leadership team at the AXA Training Centre remaining in place.

Hughes' tenure at Liverpool has been divisive, with critics questioning his decision to prioritise big-money signings such as Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola over squad depth in the past two summer windows. He is now expected to join up with former Bournemouth Simon Francis in the Middle East.