Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes steps down, likely to take over at Al Hilal

[p]Hughes, who joined [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/liverpool/lId4TMwf/"]‌Liverpool[/a] from [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/bournemouth/OtpNdwrc/"]Bournemouth[/a], informed the club's ownership of his ‌desire to seek a new challenge after delivering the 2024/25 ‌league title and Champions League qualification the following season.[/p][p]"[b]Richard ‌joined us at the start of a period of change, embracing that responsibility by leading our football operations department and overseeing ‌recruitment while also providing valuable support to ⁠our coaching staff[/b]," Fenway ‌Sports Group president Mike Gordon said.[/p][p]"[b]The results we achieved in ​these areas during this period are testament to this contribution. Nevertheless, we respect Richard's life choices and ​wish him and his family well in their next venture[/b]."[/p][p]Hughes appointed Arne Slot as Klopp's successor, a decision that ⁠paid immediate dividends with ​a Premier League title triumph in the Dutchman's debut campaign.[/p][embed guid="1ae72f2c-8eba-4d77-94f7-d5fccf0f8bb3" url="https://x.com/LFC/status/2096191766202314778" social-type="twitter" /][p]He also presided over an ambitious recruitment drive, bringing in high-profile signings such as [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/wirtz-florian/0Q5gjImi/"]Florian Wirtz[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/isak-alexander/p41IV42c/"]Alexander Isak[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/ekitike-hugo/ltVXPlJU/"]Hugo ‌Ekitike[/a] among others as Liverpool invested heavily to compete at the highest level.[/p][p]His tenure was not without controversy, however, with the squad criticised for lacking balance and depth in certain positions despite the significant outlay.[/p][p]Liverpool endured a more difficult 2025/26 season, leading to questions over some of Hughes' expensive recruitment decisions and Slot was sacked when their title defence turned into a scramble for Champions ‌League qualification.[/p][p]Hughes, who has been linked with a move ​to Saudi Pro League side [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/al-hilal/hxxcePl9/"]Al Hilal[/a], expressed gratitude for ‌his time at Anfield.[/p][p]"[b]I would like to reiterate what I said upon my arrival – it has been a source of great pride to have been given the opportunity to serve this incredible and unique institution. ⁠That is something I ⁠will always be grateful ‌for[/b]," he said.[/p]