Richard Hughes resigned as Liverpool's sporting director on September 5, 2026, ending a two-year tenure that began with his arrival from Bournemouth in early or mid-2024 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Hughes played a key role in appointing managers during his time, first overseeing the hiring of Arne Slot, who won the 2024-25 Premier League title in his debut season with Liverpool [1, 2, 5].
However, the following 2025-26 campaign proved difficult for Liverpool, who finished fifth and saw Slot replaced by Andoni Iraola, another appointment credited to Hughes [1, 2, 5]. Throughout his tenure, Hughes managed a major recruitment campaign, personally overseeing a summer 2026 transfer spend of around £200 million. This included record-breaking signings Alexander Isak for £125 million, Florian Wirtz for £116 million, and Bradley Barcola for £123 million [2, 3]. Despite this investment, some critics questioned the squad’s balance and depth under Hughes's management [1, 4].
Hughes informed Liverpool’s ownership of his intent to pursue new challenges and is expected to join Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal [1, 2, 3, 5]. He remained at Liverpool until the summer transfer window closed, delaying departure to complete the transfer business [3, 5].
Mike Gordon, president of Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s owners, praised Hughes’s leadership: "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" [2].
Hughes, aged 47 at departure, said, "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" and added, "I'll always follow and support the club with great affection, and I wish everyone involved nothing but success for this season and beyond" [1, 2].
Liverpool is actively searching for Hughes’s successor, with Mike Gordon leading the recruitment effort. Key football staff, including Julian Ward, Pedro Marques, David Woodfine, and Barry Hunter, remain in their roles to maintain stability during the transition [3, 5].
