Richard Hughes steps down as Liverpool sporting director, set to join Al-Hilal

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has left the club and is expected to take up a role at Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, the club confirmed on Saturday.

The announcement came four days after the close of the summer transfer window, during which Hughes oversaw about £200m of spending, including the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain, according to BBC Sport.

Hughes, 47, had been at Liverpool since June 2024, moving from a similar position at Bournemouth. His exit had been expected, with his contract set to expire in June 2027.

"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 said in a statement released by Liverpool.

According to BBC Sport, Hughes informed Liverpool's ownership earlier this year of his desire to seek a fresh challenge, and the club agreed he would remain in position until the end of the summer window.

His departure follows a period of significant change at Anfield. Liverpool replaced manager Arne Slot with Andoni Iraola at the end of last season, and Michael Edwards, FSG's then CEO of football, resigned in July.

Hughes was instrumental in the appointment of Slot, who led Liverpool to a 20th Premier League title in his first season. But Slot was unable to match that success and Liverpool finished fifth last season, prompting his departure.

During his tenure, Hughes oversaw the £125m record signing of Alexander Isak and the £116m arrival of Florian Wirtz in the summer of 2025, when the club spent a then record £415m.

Al-Hilal, the 21-time Saudi champions managed by former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, spent almost £180m on Premier League players in the summer window, including Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal for £60m and Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa in a £51m deal.

Liverpool are now searching for their fifth sporting director since 2022. Julian Ward, who replaced Edwards in 2022, is now FSG's technical director, and Jorg Schmadtke held the role in 2023 before Hughes arrived.

Mike Gordon, president of Fenway Sports Group, which owns Liverpool, said: "We respect Richard's life choices and wish him and his family well in their next venture."