Liverpool announce sporting director Richard Hughes is leaving after £700m transfer programme

Liverpool have announced that sporting director Richard Hughes is leaving the club after overseeing a period in which the Reds completed signings worth a reported £700m.

Hughes joined Liverpool in 2024 and, during his time in the role, the club won the 2024-25 Premier League title and qualified for the Champions League on two occasions.

Liverpool have not yet announced who will succeed Hughes as sporting director.

In a statement published on the club’s website, Hughes said: “First and foremost, I would like to reiterate what I said upon my arrival: it was a source of great pride for me to have been given the opportunity to serve this wonderful and unique institution. This is something I will always remain grateful for.”

He added: “My appreciation extends to the owners for their support and leadership, to the club staff at all levels who do so much to make Liverpool Football Club what it is, to the players who make an enormous contribution, and to the supporters who back the team in such great numbers wherever and whenever the matches take place.”

Hughes concluded: “I will always follow and support the club with great affection, and I wish everyone connected with the club every good fortune and success for this season and beyond.”

According to the English newspaper Daily Mail, Hughes was involved in Liverpool deals totalling £700m.

The most expensive of those transfers were Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola.

Isak became the most expensive signing in Premier League history when he moved from Newcastle last summer for £125m.

Hughes’ departure comes after Liverpool secured their first victory of the new season under new manager Andoni Iraola. The win came against Ipswich Town, following draws in the opening two rounds.

The club’s announcement did not provide details about the reasons for Hughes’ departure or indicate when his replacement would be appointed.

Hughes’ tenure therefore ends after a spell that included major domestic success, two Champions League qualifications and a substantial transfer operation. Liverpool have thanked him for his contribution, while Hughes said he would continue to follow and support the club.