Richard Hughes steps down at Liverpool, set for new Saudi challenge

Liverpool director Richard Hughes has stepped down as sporting director after just two years in the role and he is set to join Saudi side Al-Hilal.

The 47-year-old had only been at the club since 2024 after moving from a new similar role at Bournemouth and his contract had been expected to run until June 2027.

Hughes said in a statement: “l always follow and support the club with great affection, and I wish everyone involved nothing but success for this season and beyond.”

Hughes managed the £125m record signing of Alexander Isak last summer and the £116m arrival of Florian Wirtz. However, the slot was unable to replicate his initial success and Liverpool finished fifth last season, prompting the Dutch manager’s departure and his replacement Andoni Iraola, taking charge.

For over a year, speculation suggested that Richard Hughes would leave Liverpool for Al-Hilal and the official announcement of his departure marks another major transition this summer.

Hughes’s legacy will only be vindicated by history as he oversaw the appointment of Iraola and Liverpool’s mega summer window in 2025 where Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak arrived for significant fees exceeding £100m each and club spent a record £415m in total.