Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has stepped down from his position at Anfield, bringing an end to a two-year stint that saw the Reds capture their 20th title.
Hughes, 47, is reportedly poised to take up a lucrative sporting director role with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal. The move will see Hughes reunite with former AFC Bournemouth technical director Simon Francis in Riyadh.
Al-Hilal have orchestrated an aggressive raid on the Premier League in recent windows, splashing out massive fees to land Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal, Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, and Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United.
Appointed from Bournemouth in June 2024, Hughes arrived during a period of massive transition at Anfield. Working alongside former head coach Arne Slot, Hughes helped deliver immediate domestic success with the 2024-25 Premier League crown.
Speaking on behalf of the club’s ownership, FSG president Mike Gordon praised Hughes’ leadership throughout a crucial chapter in modern club history:
“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,” he said.
“The results we achieved in these areas during this period are testament to this contribution. Nevertheless, we respect Richard’s life choices and wish him and his family well in their next venture.”
In an official farewell statement, Hughes expressed deep gratitude to the Anfield hierarchy, staff, and fanbase:
“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.”
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