Hughes steps down from his role at Anfield amid links with a move to Saudi Arabia
Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes has stepped down after just over two years in the job.
Hughes, who has long been linked with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, oversaw the largest spending spree in the club’s history with the £450million spent last summer on the likes of British record transfer Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, supplemented by a further £250m in the most recent window.
That saw the arrivals of France international Bradley Barcola, in a deal potentially rising to £123m, defender Jeremy Jacquet, Spain winger Victor Munoz and goalkeeper Lucca Brughmanns, although the latter will not join until next season.
It is believed Hughes made his decision earlier this year, following Michael Edwards’ departure as owners Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football, but due to the work he had already undertaken – particularly in relation to Barcola – it was agreed he would see out the summer window.
It is also understood at no point was permission sought or offered for Hughes to work for any other club during this period and the club are entirely satisfied this agreement was honoured.
Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon, who will lead the process to find a replacement, said: “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.
“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.”
Other senior members of Liverpool’s football operations department – including FSG technical director Julian Ward, FSG director of football development Pedro Marques, assistant sporting director David Woodfine and chief scout Barry Hunter – remain in post and will work under the oversight of Gordon, the designated ownership decision-maker.
Hughes said: “First and foremost, 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.
“My appreciation extends to ownership for their support and leadership, to club staff at all levels who give so much to make Liverpool FC what it is, to the players who make such an enormous contribution and to the fans who support the team in great numbers whenever and wherever games take place.
“I’ll always follow and support the club with great affection, and I wish everyone involved nothing but success for this season and beyond.”