Liverpool loses sporting director Richard Hughes as he joins Al Hilal
The sporting director departs Anfield to lead football operations at Al Hilal after joining Liverpool from Bournemouth in 2024.
On 05.09.2026 Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes has left the club to take charge of football operations at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Hughes arrived at Liverpool in 2024 after a move from Bournemouth and was under contract until 2027, but his spell at Anfield ended earlier than planned.
Transfer-window exit and one of his final deals
English media reported that the departure had been expected for some time, and that Hughes remained with Liverpool until the end of the summer transfer window. One of his last significant negotiations involved the signing of Barcola from PSG.
Given Liverpool's disappointing campaign last season, observers suggest the club may have decided to move on from Hughes rather than him leaving solely for improved terms in the Middle East.
The move continues a trend of Saudi clubs recruiting European executives and technical staff as they expand their football projects.
Photo: press material from the event
