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. 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. Hughes was heavily involved in the club's £123million deal to sign Bradley Barcola on Tuesday.
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 succession plan is now being led by Mike Gordon, who has taken day-to-day oversight after Michael Edwards left as FSG's CEO of Football at Anfield. The Reds are looking to find his successor as soon as possible, with Gordon being supported by FSG Technical Directors Julian Ward and Director of Football Development Pedro Marques, as well as Assistant Sporting Director David Woodfine, chief scout Barry Hunter and the senior leadership team at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre.