Richard Hughes Leaves Liverpool for Al Hilal After Arne Slot Appointment

Sporting director Richard Hughes has departed Liverpool for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal after overseeing the signings of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.

Liverpool Football Club has officially confirmed the departure of sporting director Richard Hughes, who is now expected to join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. The 47-year-old Scot leaves the AXA Training Centre following a tenure that began in March 2024, when he was recruited from AFC Bournemouth to manage the transition after manager Jürgen Klopp’s exit. During his time at Anfield, Hughes was responsible for the pivotal appointment of Arne Slot, who led the team to a Premier League title in his debut season.

Sources indicate that Hughes informed the club of his intent to step down earlier this year. This decision followed news from autumn 2025 that his longtime associate Michael Edwards planned to resign as Fenway Sports Group’s (FSG) CEO of Football. Despite his early notice, Hughes remained in his post through the conclusion of the most recent summer transfer window to finalize recruitment strategies. Liverpool officials maintain that no permission was granted for Hughes to negotiate with other clubs during this period, asserting that all professional agreements were strictly upheld.

Transfer Strategy and Squad Rebuild

During the last two summer transfer windows, Hughes oversaw a recruitment policy that prioritized high-profile acquisitions. His tenure was marked by the signings of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Bradley Barcola. While these big-money moves defined his strategy, the approach drew criticism from some who questioned the focus on marquee players over general squad depth. Beyond player recruitment, Hughes was also the key figure in hiring Andoni Iraola as head coach, following Slot’s departure at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

In a statement released via the official club website, Hughes expressed his gratitude to the institution, the ownership, and the fans who support the team in great numbers. He noted that serving the club was a source of great pride and wished the squad success for the current season and beyond. He is now slated to reunite with former Bournemouth colleague Simon Francis in the Middle East.

Leadership Transition and FSG Search

FSG president Mike Gordon is currently spearheading the search for a new sporting director to succeed Hughes. While the recruitment process continues, the club’s football operations will be managed by a collective senior leadership team. This group includes FSG Technical Director Julian Ward and FSG Director of Football Development Pedro Marques.

Additional stability is provided by Assistant Sporting Director David Woodfine and chief scout Barry Hunter, who remain in their respective roles. This internal structure will oversee the club's ongoing strategy until a permanent replacement is finalized. Hughes' exit marks the end of a specific era of leadership that saw the club navigate the immediate post-Klopp landscape and secure a domestic league title under Slot’s management.