Liverpool Search for New Sporting Director After Hughes Departs

Liverpool have confirmed that sporting director Richard Hughes has stepped down, prompting the club to begin a search for a fourth sporting director in four years. The 47‑year‑old, who had been a key figure in the club’s recruitment and development strategy, announced his intention to leave early in the year after the departure of Michael Edwards as chief executive of football for Fenway Sports Group, the club’s owner.

Hughes is expected to take up a similar role with Saudi Pro League club Al‑Hilal, a move that underscores the growing appeal of Middle Eastern clubs to English football executives. The search for his successor is being led by FSG president Mike Gordon, who has overseen the club’s recent executive changes and will steer the appointment of a new sporting director to maintain Liverpool’s competitive trajectory.