Liverpool begins search for new sporting director following Richard Hughes’s departure
Liverpool have launched another recruitment search after Richard Hughes stepped down as sporting director, leaving the club preparing to make a fourth appointment in four years, reports BritPanorama.
Hughes’s departure had been anticipated after the 47-year-old informed the club’s owners earlier this year that he wanted to pursue a new challenge. He is expected to take up a similar position with Saudi club Al-Hilal, although Liverpool stressed that they received no approach from the club for him to begin working there during the summer.
The Reds expressed satisfaction that Hughes remained committed to their operation throughout the transfer window, which included the £123 million signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain and ongoing discussions over other targets.
FSG president Mike Gordon is leading the search for a successor after resuming responsibility for Liverpool’s day-to-day operations following the exit of former chief executive of football, Michael Edwards. The eventual appointment will mark Liverpool’s fourth sporting director since Edwards left in 2022. The club insists their football structure will not be disrupted by the change.
Julian Ward succeeded Edwards, followed by Jörg Schmadtke’s short-term role. Hughes joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in June 2024, during a transitional period for the club. Gordon praised Hughes for guiding Liverpool’s football operations effectively, noting the achievements, including winning the club’s 20th league title in the 2024-25 season.
Hughes’s exit came after a meaningful tenure, where he established a strong working relationship with head coach Andoni Iraola. Despite announcing his intention to leave, Hughes remained on board to complete the transfer window. “Richard joined us at the start of a period of change, embracing that responsibility by leading our football operations department,” Gordon stated.
Reflecting on his experience, Hughes described his time at Liverpool as a source of “great pride,” expressing gratitude to the ownership, staff, players, and supporters for their backing. As the club now seeks a new direction in their sporting leadership, a new chapter in Liverpool’s evolution begins, echoing the sentiments of enduring commitment that both supporters and players alike can rally behind.
