Liverpool transfer chief steps down days after window closes with new job already lined up

Richard Hughes has stepped down as Liverpool’s sporting director, the club have confirmed.

Hughes, who had been in the role since June 2024, is in line to join Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal.

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The former Bournemouth director oversaw a turbulent period for the Reds, arriving after the departure of Jurgen Klopp.

He played an instrumental role in the appointment of Arne Slot, who won the Premier League title in his first season, before getting sacked at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

Most recently, Hughes was heavily involved in the club’s £123million deal to sign Bradley Barcola on Tuesday.

His exit follows the departure of Michael Edwards as FSG’s CEO of Football at Anfield.

A succession plan is now being led by Mike Gordon, who has taken day-to-day oversight after Edwards left.

talkSPORT understands Hughes made the decision to leave earlier this year, but agreed to stay at Liverpool until the end of the window to avoid disrupting their summer transfer window.

A club statement read: “Liverpool FC can confirm Richard Hughes has stepped down as sporting director.

“Hughes, who moved to Anfield from AFC Bournemouth in June 2024, departs with the best wishes of everyone at LFC having informed the club’s ownership of his desire to seek a fresh challenge.

Hughes added: “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.”

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