Liverpool
Richard Hughes leaves Liverpool for Al-Hilal sporting director role
Richard Hughes has become sporting director of Saudi club Al-Hilal, days after leaving the same job at Liverpool.
By SERIE A AR football desk 1 min read
Al-Hilal, a club in the Saudi Pro League, have appointed Richard Hughes as their sporting director. Hughes stepped down from the same role at Liverpool, the English Premier League club, only days earlier.
Al-Hilal said its board had "finalized the contract" with Hughes, who started work after arriving in Saudi Arabia. The club said the appointment would "contribute to raising the quality of technical work, developing recruitment and scouting processes, and enhancing integration across all aspects related to the football sector."
Liverpool said Hughes wished to "seek a fresh challenge." His departure came less than two months after Michael Edwards left his role as chief executive of football at Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's owner.
Hughes joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in 2024. He oversaw the appointment of head coach Arne Slot after Jurgen Klopp stepped down following almost nine years in charge. Liverpool won the Premier League title the following season, but had a difficult campaign last term despite spending around £450 million on signings including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. Slot was dismissed after Liverpool finished fifth. His replacement, Andoni Iraola, has overseen a summer outlay of more than £200 million, which included signing Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.
Al-Hilal are Saudi Arabia's most successful club, with 21 league titles and four Asian Championships. They have signed Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal and England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa. In April, the Saudi Public Investment Fund sold a 70% stake in the club to Kingdom Holding Company, which is run by Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal. Al-Hilal lead the Saudi Pro League after winning all five of their matches this season, three points clear of Al-Nassr and Al Qadsiah.
On the pitch, Liverpool beat newly promoted Ipswich Town 2-0, with Isak scoring twice, for their first league win of the season. They also face Atletico Madrid at Anfield in the Champions League.
More news · La LigaCelta Vigo still seeking first away goal ahead of Getafe trip