Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes to leave for Saudi club Al-Hilal

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is leaving the club to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, sources report. The 47-year-old Scottish executive, who took the role in March 2024 following a previous tenure as Bournemouth's technical director, is expected to finalize his move shortly.

Hughes' departure will become effective after the completion of Tottenham's current summer transfer window, marking the end of his involvement with Liverpool's recruitment strategy. His exit opens the requirement for Liverpool to identify a new head of sport following their successful recruitment campaigns in recent seasons.

The transition comes amid Tottenham's ambitious spending spree under new coach Roberto De Zerbi, demonstrating the competitive nature of European football's transfer market as clubs vie for top talent during the mid-year window.

Richard Hughes is a 46-year-old former central midfielder. He rose through Liverpool's youth system, had senior spells with Preston North End and Bournemouth. Richard Hughes was appointed Liverpool's sporting director in March 2024. He also worked in recruitment roles at Aston Villa and as technical director at AFC Bournemouth. Hughes earned three senior caps for the Republic of Ireland national team.
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