Liverpool could be facing another major off-pitch change just as their new era under Andoni Iraola begins.
According to reports, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is now ‘close’ to securing a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Richard Hughes, alongside Michael Edwards were the masterminds behind securing Andoni Iraola as the club’s latest head coach. Hughes worked alongside the Spaniard at Bournemouth before he made the move to Merseyside. Now it seems he is on the move once again.
For months, the Reds’ sporting director has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, and it seems increasingly likely. According to Football365, Al-Hilal will confirm a deal for the Scotsman in a few weeks.
His deal with the Merseyside outfit is due to expire next summer, just like Edwards, leading fans to panic over the team’s long-term future. Arne Slot’s deal also ran through to 2027, though they made the decision to go in a different direction.
The pair still have plenty of work to do at Liverpool before their future or successors are set. Several targets are high on their shortlist as they look to rebuild under the new boss to push forward for a title battle. Especially as they look to make ground after last season’s failures.
Hughes in his Liverpool position
When he arrived from the south coast of England, very little was known about the latest sporting director. However, the work he had produced at Bournemouth was a positive sign of what could be achieved at Anfield.
The Cherries were recently in the Championship, though in those few years from 2021 to 2024, they climbed the Premier League table. The appointment of Iraola was a turning point, as they began to see the best from their set of players.
Unfortunately, the Reds only signed Federico Chiesa in the first window, though their appointment of Slot proved pivotal as Liverpool won their second Premier League title. The £450 million transfer window the following summer was set to be a success, but it failed to deliver.
Hugo Ekitike has been the only relative success from that transfer window so far during their career on Merseyside. £100 million men, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have yet to set the league alight in red. Hughes was also heavily criticised for failing to sack the Dutch head coach earlier in the season.
This summer is set to be another massive test for Hughes, with plenty to prove. A new player to replace Mohamed Salah is no easy task, whilst other areas are necessary for immediate improvement. They have already signed Jeremy Jacquet for £60 million, but lost Ibrahima Konate on a free to Real Madrid.
One major positive has been their work for the academy side, as they look set to sign Samuel Martinez. An extension to Joshua Abe’s deal, and a host of national talent have been significant in the club’s approach.
Sporting Director struggles
However, while the future in the academy looks to be going from strength to strength, other areas don’t. Behind the scenes, a sporting director hasn’t settled down at the club, sparking issues for Liverpool down the line.
Jorg Schmadtke was in the position prior to the Scotmans, though was only in control for two transfer windows. Luckily, it was a success, introducing a core midfield which was influential in their Premier League success under Slot.
Julian Ward was the man before the German director, though just like his successor, it was a short-lived stint. Ward has since returned to the club, just like Edwards, who was also the club’s sporting director. The lack of a consistent plan is a slight cause of concern for a team that is looking to be fighting for titles on a regular basis.
No figure is a leading candidate for the position at this stage, though, looking back at Hughes’ time at Liverpool, things have been mixed. A time when it looked like they would dominate England has seen them left with serious holes within their squad.
