Hughes steps down as Liverpool sporting director

What the report says

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has stepped down from his role and is expected to join Saudi club Al Hilal, according to BBC Sport Football. BBC said Hughes had been at Anfield since June 2024, after leaving a similar post at Bournemouth, and that his departure had been anticipated because his contract was due to run until June 2027.

The report says Hughes helped shape Liverpool’s football operations during a period of significant change after Jürgen Klopp’s departure. He played a part in appointing Arne Slot, who later guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season, and oversaw major transfer activity, including a summer spend of about £200m. BBC also said he was involved in big-money arrivals such as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.

In a statement carried by Liverpool, Hughes said he would continue to support the club with affection and wished it success going forward. Mike Gordon, president of owners Fenway Sports Group, thanked Hughes for his contribution and said Liverpool respected his decision and wished him and his family well. The move matters because it ends a short but high-profile spell in a key off-field role at a club that has been through rapid leadership and squad changes.