Who will be new Liverpool sporting director - and what issues do they face?

What the report says

Liverpool are again searching for a sporting director after Richard Hughes’ move to Al-Hilal was confirmed, making this the club’s fifth change in the role since 2022. BBC Sport reports that FSG president Mike Gordon is leading the process, with Liverpool wanting a quick appointment and considering both internal and outside candidates. Names mentioned include Hughes’ former assistant David Woodfine, FSG technical director Julian Ward, FSG football development director Pedro Marques, and Paris St-Germain’s Luis Campos, though he is seen as unlikely to move.

The incoming director will inherit several major squad decisions. Liverpool must decide whether to extend goalkeeper Alisson’s stay with his contract due to end after the season, while captain Virgil van Dijk is also out of contract next summer. The club has already lost other senior figures and will want to balance experience with the development of younger defenders in the squad. There is also ongoing attention on midfield depth, potential future talks around Alexis Mac Allister’s contract, and whether further recruitment is needed in that area.

Up front, Liverpool appear better supplied after recent signings and the emergence of younger players, although the club could still revisit winger options depending on future bids. The new sporting director will also need to build a strong working relationship with manager Arne Slot, whose future is among the issues that the role may help shape. In broader context, Liverpool’s summer has brought management changes, investor activity and staff turnover, adding to the importance of a long-term appointment.