Liverpool’s football operations structure has lost a senior figure after sporting director Richard Hughes left Anfield and moved into a new role with Saudi giants Al-Hilal.
Liverpool confirmed Hughes had stepped down after deciding to pursue a fresh challenge. Ending his spell as sporting director at the club.
Al-Hilal then confirmed his appointment as their new sporting director. The Saudi club stated he has already began his duties in Riyadh.
The speed of the transition gives the move significance beyond a routine executive change.
Hughes joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in 2024 and became a key figure inside the club’s football operations structure. He worked across recruitment, squad planning and sporting strategy.
Now that experience moves into Saudi football.
For Al-Hilal, the appointment adds an executive with recent Premier League experience to a club already operating at the sharp end of the Saudi game.
The role is expected to stretch beyond transfers alone, with Hughes positioned to influence recruitment, scouting and wider technical planning.
For Liverpool, the pressure now shifts to succession.
The club must identify a replacement capable of maintaining continuity across recruitment and football operations without allowing the departure to disrupt long-term squad planning.
For Al-Hilal, the move is another sign that Saudi football’s recruitment drive is no longer focused only on players and coaches.
Senior executives are part of the competition too.
Hughes has left Anfield.
His next football project begins in Riyadh.
Cranse Sports
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