Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes steps down after two years

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has left his role, the club announced on Saturday, weeks after Michael Edwards stepped down as chief executive of football.

Hughes is reportedly set to move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, where he would take up a similar position.

The former Scotland international was appointed during a significant period of change at Liverpool and was responsible for overseeing the club’s football operations and recruitment. His tenure included the most expensive transfer window in Liverpool’s history, with the club spending £450m ($611m) last summer.

That spending brought several high-profile players to Anfield, including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. Liverpool also invested heavily during the most recent transfer window, with France winger Bradley Barcola arriving as their headline signing.

Hughes’s two years at the club coincided with Liverpool winning a record-equalling 20th English league title in 2024/25 under the now-departed manager Arne Slot.

However, his time in the role also attracted criticism. Hughes was blamed by some for leaving both Slot and his successor, Andoni Iraola, with a squad considered unbalanced and lacking depth in important positions, particularly midfield and full-back.

“It has been a source of great pride to have been given the opportunity to serve this incredible and unique institution,” said Hughes. “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.”

Mike Gordon, president of Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG), acknowledged Hughes’s contribution during a period of transition at the club.

“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.”

Hughes’s departure follows that of Edwards, who left his position as chief executive of football several weeks earlier. Together, their exits mark further change in the leadership of Liverpool’s sporting operation.

The announcement also comes after FSG sold a stake of nearly 40% in the Premier League club last month. The consortium involved in that deal included Jeff Bezos, the billionaire founder of Amazon.